Indian almond

Indian almond is a large, seasonally deciduous tree 15–25 m tall (occasionally 35 m) with a symmetrical crown of horizontal branches arranged in pagoda-like tiers and a buttressed base. The leaves are clustered at the branch tips, obovate to oblong, 15–25 cm long and 10–14 cm broad, wedge-shaped at the base and running down the stalk, leathery and glossy; before falling they turn yellow then red-brown, a distinctive display, and the tree sheds its leaves about twice a year. The species is dioecious or bears both male and bisexual flowers; the small white-green flowers are borne in axillary spikes 8–15 cm long. The fruit is a flattened ovoid drupe 5–7 cm long with two thin wings, ripening yellow then dark brown, containing a single large edible seed. The chromosome number is 2n = 24.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/09/2026

According to botanical sources, Terminalia catappa originates in the Indian Ocean–western Pacific region, from South and South-East Asia through Malesia, New Guinea and northern Australia to many Pacific islands; it is now planted and naturalized throughout the tropical belt. It grows naturally on coastal sands, at river mouths and on well-drained soils, tolerating salt-laden wind, drought and nutrient-poor ground. Thanks to its broad canopy and toughness it is widely planted as a shade tree in parks, streets and coastal areas across Vietnam.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/09/2026

The leaves and bark are very rich in hydrolysable tannins, notably punicalagin and corilagin, together with ellagic and gallic acid — polyphenols responsible for the astringency and strong antioxidant activity. They also contain flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, saponins, terpenoids and phytosterols. The seed kernel yields fatty oil rich in oleic and linoleic acids. Content and composition vary with plant part and season; young leaves and leaves turning red before fall tend to be high in polyphenols.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/09/2026

Indian almond is a multipurpose tree: its broad crown gives coastal and street shade; the seed kernel (called tropical almond) is edible and pressed for oil; the red-brown, attractively figured wood is used for furniture and small boats. In the traditional medicine of India and South-East Asia the tannin-rich leaves and bark are used as an astringent against diarrhoea and skin complaints. Studies report antioxidant, antibacterial and hepatoprotective activity in leaf extracts. The leaves are also widely used in fishkeeping: dry leaves added to aquaria gently lower pH, release antibacterial tannins and give betta tanks their characteristic blackwater tea colour.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/09/2026

It is listed as Least Concern (LC) and is not globally threatened; the species is widespread and widely planted and faces little pressure. As for safety, high tannin levels may irritate the stomach if taken as a strong, prolonged decoction and can reduce iron absorption; leaves and bark should not be used as self-treatment in place of medical advice. The kernel is edible but, like all oil seeds, must be stored dry to avoid mould (aflatoxin risk). When planting, note the heavy fall of fruit and leaves and the large roots; on coasts the tree provides windbreak and stabilizes soil.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/09/2026