English: Baheda, Belliric Myrobalan, Bastard myrobalan, Bedda nut tree
Sanscrit: Vibhitaka विभितक, Aksha अक्ष
Hindi: बहेड़ा bahera, बहुवीर्य bahuvirya, भूतवास bhutvaas
Malayalam: Thanni താന്നി
The Beach Almond (Terminalia catappa), also known as the Indian Almond, Tropical Almond, or Sea Almond, is a large tropical tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is commonly found along tropical coastlines and is known for its attractive appearance and edible fruit. Here’s a plant description of the Beach Almond:
Appearance: The Beach Almond is a medium to large-sized tree that can grow up to 25-30 meters (80-100 feet) in height. It has a spreading crown with wide, horizontal branches that give it a picturesque appearance. The leaves are large, glossy, and leathery, typically around 15-25 centimeters (6-10 inches) in length, and they have a unique shape resembling a broad ellipse with a pointed tip.
Fruit: The fruit of the Beach Almond is a drupe, which is a type of fleshy fruit with a hard stone inside. The drupe is green when young, turning brown as it ripens. The kernel inside the stone is edible and is often consumed raw or roasted, having a flavor similar to an almond, which is why it is also called the “Indian Almond.”
Habitat: Beach Almond trees are well-adapted to tropical coastal environments. They thrive in sandy soils, often growing near beaches or along riverbanks. The tree is salt-tolerant and can withstand occasional saltwater exposure, making it suitable for beachfront landscapes.
Propagation: The Beach Almond can be propagated through seeds. The seeds have a hard shell, and soaking them in water for a day before planting can help with germination.
Landscape Use: Due to its attractive appearance and adaptability to coastal conditions, the Beach Almond is often used in landscaping tropical coastal areas and gardens. It provides shade and adds to the aesthetic appeal of beachside locations.
Keep in mind that the Beach Almond is a large tree, and when considering planting it in a landscape, it’s essential to give it enough space to grow and consider the local environmental conditions. Always check with local authorities and experts to ensure that the tree is suitable for your specific location and won’t cause any ecological disruptions.
Leaf Arrangement
Shape-lanceolate | Margin-Entire | Venation- Reticulate |
Medicinal uses:
One of Triphala, is used to treat indigestion, loose motion, hiccups, cough, respiratory problems, diabetes, etc.
Useful plant parts:
leaf root, bark
Click to find the details of the Medicines
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