Terminalia catappa
Terminalia catappa
Terminalia catappa (pronunciation: ter-min-al-ia ka-tap-pa), also known as the Indian almond, tropical almond, or beach almond, is a species of flowering plant in the leadwood tree family, Combretaceae. The tree is native to the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Etymology
The genus name Terminalia is derived from the Latin word 'terminus', referring to the fact that the tree's leaves appear at the very tips of the shoots. The species name catappa is derived from its Malay name, 'ketapang'.
Description
The Terminalia catappa is a large tropical tree that grows up to 35 meters tall. It has an erect trunk, large, spreading branches, and a broad, dome-shaped canopy. The leaves are large, 15–25 cm long and 10–14 cm broad, ovoid, glossy dark green, and leathery. They turn bright red or yellow before they fall.
Uses
The Terminalia catappa has various uses. Its fruit is edible, tasting somewhat like an almond, and it is commonly eaten in parts of Southeast Asia. The wood is red, solid and has high water resistance; it has been utilized in Polynesia for making canoes. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat various ailments, and recent scientific studies have confirmed some of these beliefs.
Related Terms
- Combretaceae: The leadwood tree family, to which Terminalia catappa belongs.
- Tropical Almond: Another common name for Terminalia catappa.
- Traditional Medicine: The practice of using plants and other natural substances to treat medical conditions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Terminalia catappa
- Wikipedia's article - Terminalia catappa
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