Mango - Kalapadi
Mangifera indica 'Kalapadi'
Common Names: Kalapadi Mango, Kalapadi Maa
Local Name: Kalapadi Maa (Tamil)
Family: Anacardiaceae
Origin: Tamil Nadu, India
Plant Type: Large evergreen tree, 10–15 meters tall
Variety: Kalapadi — traditional Tamil Nadu variety, medium-sized sweet fruit
Average Lifespan: 40–100+ years
🌿 Botanical Description
| Growth Habit | Large spreading tree with dense, rounded canopy |
| Plant Size | 10–15 meters tall; canopy spread 8–12 meters |
| Leaves | Simple, alternate, lanceolate, 15–30 cm long; new leaves coppery-red turning dark green |
| Flowers | Small, yellowish-white in large terminal panicles (20–35 cm long) |
| Flower Characteristics | Both male and bisexual flowers on same panicle; mildly fragrant; insect-pollinated |
| Fruit | Medium-sized, ovate-oblong, 200–350 g; smooth skin, sweet aromatic pulp with moderate fiber |
| Fruit Color | Green turning yellow with orange blush when ripe |
| Seed Characteristics | Large monoembryonic seed; oblong with fibrous husk |
| Root System | Deep taproot with extensive lateral root system; drought-tolerant once established |
☀ Growing Conditions
| Climate | Tropical; needs distinct dry period for flowering |
| Temperature Range | 24–30°C ideal; tolerates up to 45°C; frost-sensitive |
| Rainfall Requirement | 750–2000 mm annually; dry spell before flowering essential |
| Soil Type | Deep, well-drained alluvial, laterite, or red loam soil |
| Soil pH Preference | 5.5–7.5 |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun (8+ hours daily) |
| Spacing | 8–10 meters between trees |
| Irrigation Method | Basin or drip irrigation; reduce watering during flowering |
| Water Requirement | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Can it Grow in Pots? | Young trees in large pots (50+ liters); will limit size and yield |
🌾 Cultivation & Care
| Fertilizer Schedule | 3 times per year — pre-flowering, post-fruit set, post-harvest |
| Recommended Organic Fertilizers | FYM (25–50 kg/tree/year), neem cake, bone meal, vermicompost |
| Pesticide Frequency | 2–3 sprays during flowering and fruiting season |
| Recommended Organic Pesticides | Neem oil, panchagavya, garlic-chili spray, sticky traps for fruit flies |
| Mulching Practice | Organic mulch around base; keep away from trunk to prevent collar rot |
| Training System | Open center or modified leader system |
| Pruning Time | After harvest (July–August) |
| How to Prune | Remove dead, diseased, and crossing branches; tip-prune for compact growth |
| Common Pests | Mango hopper, fruit fly, stem borer, mealybug, leaf webber |
| Common Diseases | Anthracnose, powdery mildew, bacterial canker, sooty mold |
| Disease Prevention & Remedies | Copper-based fungicides, proper spacing for air circulation, remove fallen debris |
🌸 Flowering & Fruiting
| Flowering Months | December–February (South India) |
| Fruiting Season | April–June |
| Days to Harvest | 100–120 days from flowering |
| Harvest Indicators | Fruit shoulders fill out, skin color lightens, slight aroma develops at stem end |
| Average Yield per Plant | 100–200 fruits per tree (mature); alternate bearing common |
| Pollination Type | Cross-pollination by insects (flies, bees) |
| Pollination Notes | Only 1–2% of flowers set fruit; houseflies are major pollinators |
💰 Economic Importance
| Commercial Production Regions | Tamil Nadu (Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem districts) |
| Market Uses | Table fruit, juice, traditional pickle |
| Processing Uses | Pulp, juice, pickle, dried mango slices |
| Market Value (Approx.) | ₹40–100 per kg; popular in local Tamil Nadu markets |
🍈 Nutritional Information
| Calories | 60 kcal per 100g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g per 100g |
| Vitamin C | 36 mg per 100g |
| Vitamin A | 1082 IU per 100g |
| Iron | 0.16 mg per 100g |
| Potassium | 168 mg per 100g |
| Antioxidants | Beta-carotene, mangiferin, quercetin |
| Other Key Nutrients | Folate, vitamin B6, copper, vitamin E |
🌿 Medicinal Uses
| Immune Support | High vitamin C and A content boosts immunity |
| Anti-inflammatory Properties | Mangiferin compound shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects |
| Digestive Health | Enzymes like amylase aid digestion; fiber promotes gut health |
| Heart Health | Fiber and potassium support cardiovascular health |
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.
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