Terminalia catappa
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Scientific
Classification:
Synonyms:
Common Names: Tropical
almond tree,badam Local Names: Furutu Species ID: NMP-178; Basic
Description:
Terminalia catappa, commonly known as tropical almond, Indian almond, or sea
almond, is a large deciduous tree that typically grows between 15 to 25 meters
in height, though it can reach up to 40 meters under ideal conditions. It has a
distinctive tiered branching structure and broad, ovate leaves that turn red
before falling. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers and edible
fruits that resemble almonds in taste. Distribution
and Habitat:
Native to Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and the Pacific islands, T.
catappa has been widely introduced to tropical and subtropical regions around
the world. It thrives in coastal areas, where it helps stabilize shorelines and
prevent erosion. It prefers well-drained soils in sunny locations and can
tolerate saline environments, making it a common sight along beaches and
coastal forests. Medicinal
Properties:
The leaves, bark, and seeds of T. catappa have various medicinal uses. The
leaves contain flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which have antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Traditional medicine uses the
leaves to treat liver diseases, dysentery, and diarrhea. The seeds are known
for their high protein content and are used similarly to almonds in culinary
applications. Additionally, extracts from the leaves and bark have shown
potential in treating diabetes and malaria. Toxicity: While the tree parts are generally
safe, the sawdust from its wood can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
The leaves and fruits are non-toxic and have been used traditionally in various
medicinal preparations without known adverse effects. Additional
Information: T.
catappa is also valued for its ornamental qualities, providing dense shade with
its large leaves. The wood is durable and water-resistant, making it suitable
for construction and furniture-making. In aquaculture, dried leaves are used to
lower the pH and provide antibacterial benefits in fish tanks, promoting
healthy aquatic environments. References: External
Links https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminalia_catappa https://www.fnai.org/species-communities/invasives/invasive-species?ID=161 https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279242 https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=TECA https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/cabicompendium.53143 https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/forestry/Forestry-Agroforestry-Trees/Terminalia-catappa https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Terminalia+catappa https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/264875
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| Compounds of Terminalia catappa |
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