Indian Almond, Tropical Almond Tree

Terminalia catappa

Physical Characteristics

Terminalia catappa is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 35 m (114ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid, very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Africa - Maagascar; E. Asia - China, India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea to Australia and the Pacific.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Seed Edible Uses: Gum Oil Seed - raw or cooked[46 , 303 ]. The almond-flavoured seeds can be eaten out of hand or roasted[301 ]. They can be chopped and added to cookies, bread mixes, dessert fillings, sweets, soups and stews[301 ]. The seed contains about 50% oil[63 ]. The seed is 3 - 4 cm long, 3 - 5 mm thick and enclosed in a thick shell that is difficult to crack[63 , 324 ]. The seeds are a rich source of zinc[658 ]. The seeds yield 38 - 54% of a colourless, bland tasting yellow semi-drying oil that is used in cooking[46 , 301 ]. Rather similar to almond oil, but less prone to become rancid[63 , 301 , 345 , 451 ]. The fruits have a tender skin and a thin layer of subacid juicy flesh[301 ]. It is often fibrous and not very tasty in spite of the pleasant smell[303 ]. The sweetish, fibrous flesh is palatable when very young, and is usually liked by children[307 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Antidiarrhoeal Antirheumatic Antitussive Astringent Diaphoretic Dysentery Emetic Febrifuge Galactogogue Laxative Leprosy Skin Tonic Vermifuge Various parts of the tree, such as the leaves and fruit, contain tannins and are astringent[303 , 459 ]. The leaves, crushed with Dacrydium elatum and rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus, are combined to treat dysentery[303 ]. The red leaves act as a vermifuge, while the sap of young leaves, cooked with oil from the kernel, is used to treat leprosy[303 ]. The juice of the leaves is ingested for coughs[311 ]. An infusion of the leaves is used to treat jaundice[311 ]. The leaves are used to treat indigestion[311 ]. The young leaves are used to cure headaches and colic[303 ]. Externally, the leaves may be rubbed on breasts to cure pain or, when heated, may be applied to numb parts of the body[303 ]. They may be used as a dressing for swollen rheumatic joints[303 ]. The leaves, applied to the head and sides, are refreshing and sudorific[582 ]. Leaves, bark and fruit are used to treat yaws[303 ]. The bark and root bark are useful for bilious fever, diarrhoea, thrush, and as a remedy for sores and abscesses[303 , 311 ]. The fluid from the bark is used to treat diabetes and as a tonic[311 ]. An infusion of the bark is used to treat stomach ache and also as an emetic for infants[311 ]. Externally, the bark is used to treat sores, pimples and fungal skin diseases[311 ]. The kernel of the fruit mixed with beeswax stops putrid exudation and bloody faeces. It is recommended as a mild laxative and a galactagogue for women, but too frequent use causes diarrhoea[303 ].

Known Hazards

Various species of biting and stinging ants have been found inhabiting hollow twigs on this tree[407 ].