Mango Database: Carabao

Carabao Information

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Origin:
Philippine
Collected/Introduced By:
Possible Synonyms/AKA:
Philippine Mango, kalabaw
Aroma:
Mild and spicy
Flavor:
Sweet, with a hint of tartness. Citrus/pineapple undertones
Color:
Shape:
Peak Availibality:
May-June
Seedling Of:
Fruit Size:
Small to medium
Tree Size:
Medium
Disease Resistance:
Excellent
Productivity:
Very Good
Seed Type:
Poly-Embryonic (multiple embryo)Poly-Embryonic (multiple embryo)
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Carabao

Carabao Mango Trees have a vigorous & upright growth habit. As a result, Carabao can realistically be kept between 20 – 25 feet tall, even with annual pruning. Carabao’s fruit production consistently ranges from good to heavy. However, the trees are not particularly precocious and can take upwards of several years before they will have consistent and reliable production. Like other Indochinese mango varieties, Carabao typically produces fruit clusters on a single branch. To encourage larger individual fruits and reduce the risk of fruit abrasions caused by friction among them, one can thin the fruit on the individual branches early in the season.

The Carabao Mango has its origins in the Philippines, where it plays a significant role in the country’s exports. In fact, the mango holds the distinction of being the official national fruit of the Philippines.

Furthermore, the name ‘Carabao’ derives from the water buffalo of the same name, a native species to the Philippines. Interestingly, the Carabao is also the country’s official national animal. To be honest, I can’t help but imagine a Carabao Buffalo enjoying a Carabao Mango.

As mentioned earlier, there are various sub-varieties of Carabao Mangos. However, if you’re seeking the sweetest of the sweet, look no further than the Sweet Elena cultivar.

Finally, one of the most famous mango seedlings derived from the Carabao variety is the Ataulfo Mango.

Carabao Mangos produce Polyembryonic seeds, which means that planting a seed from a Carabao Mango can yield another Carabao Mango Tree. However, with Polyembryonic mango seeds, not selecting the correct sprout (the genetic clone) can result in a different tree that may be either better or worse.

If you are planting a Carabao Mango from seed, here are some quick tips for making sure you select the correct seedling (identical clone of the mother tree):

- Wait until 2-3 leaf flushes occur; does one seedling’s leaves look more similar to the mother tree?

- Generally speaking, the stronger sprout is the clone while the weaker seedling is the fertilized seed (non-identical)