Almendro de playa
Terminalia catappa
Beach almond, Bengal almond
Ornamental & Shade Trees
Native to the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia the Beach almond is widely grown in the tropical regions of the world as ornamental tree. It is valued for its deep shade it provides through its large leaves.
The fruit is edible, tasting slightly acidic.
As the tree gets older, its crown becomes more flattened to form a spreading, vase shape. Its branches are distinctively arranged in tiers giving it a unique look. During the dry season the leaves loose their leaves and in the process change from pinkish red and yellowish brown adding another interesting color element to the landscape.
The wood is red and solid, and has high water resistance.
Leaves
The leaves are broad, glossy dark green and leathery . They range from la 15- 25 cm long and 10-14 cm wide.
Flowers
The flowers are male and female,both small and inconspicuous 1 cm wide petal less. The color ranges from white to green.
Fruit
corky, light fruit that are dispersed by water. The seed within the fruit is edible when fully ripe, tasting almost like almond.It changes from green to yellow to red when finally ripe.
