Terminalia catappa, commonly known as the Indian almond, tropical almond, or sea almond, is a large, spreading tropical tree valued for its ornamental shape, edible nuts, and medicinal properties. It is especially well-known for its striking red and yellow foliage before leaf fall.
🔍 Key Facts
Scientific name: Terminalia catappa
Common names: Indian almond, tropical almond, sea almond, Bengal almond, ketapang
Family: Combretaceae
Native range: Tropical Asia, but now widely naturalized in tropical regions around the world
Height: 10–25 meters (33–82 feet)
Leaves: Large, glossy, obovate (spoon-shaped), turn red or yellow before falling
Flowers: Small, white to greenish, in spike-like clusters
Fruit: Oval, green drupe that turns yellow/red when mature; contains an edible kernel (almond-like)
🌿 Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Soil: Tolerant of poor, sandy, or saline soils; prefers well-drained sites
Water: Drought-tolerant once established; also tolerates coastal flooding
Climate: Tropical and subtropical; frost-sensitive
Propagation: By seeds (float and germinate easily)
🌴 Notable Features & Uses
Ornamental: Wide-spreading, horizontal branches create a pagoda-like form—popular for shade in coastal landscapes
Edible: Seeds (kernels) are almond-like in flavor and nutritious
Medicinal uses (traditional):
Leaves used for liver disease, skin conditions, and inflammation
Common in traditional Asian and African medicine
Aquarium use: Dried leaves used in aquariums to reduce pH and promote fish health (especially bettas and shrimp)
Environmental use: Coastal erosion control and reforestation
