TreeCultivatedPerennialMedicinal

Terminalia catappa L.

Jangli badam · Indian Almond

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Description

Terminalia catappa is a large deciduous tree, usually 15–30 m tall, with a distinctive pagoda-like crown formed by horizontal branches arranged in tiers. Leaves are simple, large, obovate, leathery, and clustered near branch tips, turning bright red or yellow before falling. Flowers are small, greenish-white, borne in slender axillary spikes. Fruits are flattened, ellipsoid drupes that turn green to yellow, red, or purple when mature and contain a hard edible kernel.

Diagnostic Characters

Vegetative

Tiered horizontal branching with large obovate leaves.

Floral

Small greenish-white flowers in slender spikes.

Fruit & Seed

Flattened colorful drupes containing an edible kernel.

Distribution

Native range: Tropical Asia and the Pacific region.

In Pakistan: Widely cultivated throughout Pakistan as an ornamental and shade tree.

Phenology

Flowering

Fruiting

Flowering: March–June Fruiting: July–October

Ethnobotany & Uses

Food Uses

Seeds (kernels) are edible and resemble almonds.

Medicinal Uses

Leaves, bark, and fruits are traditionally used to treat liver disorders, skin diseases, diarrhea, and inflammation.

Ornamental Uses

Popular avenue and shade tree because of its attractive layered crown.

Environmental Uses

Provides excellent shade and improves urban landscapes.

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Where it grows on campus

North-North-West Campus5

individuals mapped across 1 zone

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Taxonomic Notes

Commonly known as the Tropical Almond, Terminalia catappa is distinguished by its pagoda-shaped crown, large leaves, and flattened drupes. The accepted name follows Flora of Pakistan, POWO, and WFO.