Terminalia Catappa, Bengal Almond - 0.5 kg Seeds

Terminalia catappa (Terminalia catappa), the Bengal almond, Indian almond or country almond, is a large deciduous tree growing 15-25 m with a distinctive tiered, horizontally branching crown that casts dense shade. Its large, leathery, obovate leaves turn red and copper before falling, and it bears small flowers followed by flattened, almond-like fruits whose kernels are edible. Native to coastal South and South-East Asia, it is widely grown along Indian coasts, in the plains and in cities as a shade and ornamental tree.

It is planted chiefly as an avenue and shade tree for its dramatic layered form and seaside hardiness, and is popular in parks, gardens and along beaches and roads. The edible kernels taste like almonds, the leaves and bark are used in traditional medicine and as a tannin source, and the moderately hard wood is used for light construction and boat building.

• Family: Combretaceae
• Native region: Coastal tropical Asia
• Mature height: 15-25 m
• Growth rate: Fast

Sowing the seed: the fibrous, corky fruits float and have a hard coat, so soak them in water for 24-48 hours, or remove the outer husk, before sowing. Sow the whole fruit or kernel about 2-3 cm deep in well-drained sandy nursery mix and keep warm and moist; germination is slow and uneven, typically taking 21-30 days or more. Transplant seedlings to the field when 30-50 cm tall, ideally at the start of the monsoon.