Tropical-Almond, Sea-Almond

Terminalia catappa L.

term-ah-NAL-ee-ah cah-TAH-pah

Combretaceae

Explanation of name: The leaves are terminal on the branches. Catappa is a local name (WA1).

Natural range: Malay Peninsula, primarily coastal (WA1)

Recognition: Pagoda-shaped mid-sized tree with tiers of horizontal branches and with large (1” long), obovate, leaves rough above and pubescent underneath, crowded at branch tips, the branches growing sympodially. Leaves turning red and briefly deciduous during dry season. Flowers tiny, white on elongate stalks. Fruits egg-sized, flattened.

            Also present in Florida, Australian Almond, Terminalia muelleri Benth. has smaller fruits (2 cm vs. > 4 cm) without wings or angles (WU1).

Landscape uses: Of special interest due to “fall color” (leaves become red and fall off at dry season). Tough and forgiving with broad tolerances, valued particularly for seashore planting. Both species are Invasive Exotic, Category II on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council list, and thus are not recommended for landscaping.

Notes: The flowers are a mix of male flowers and perfect flowers (TOM).