Tropical Almond
Terminalia catappa
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Combretaceae
- Genus:
- Terminalia
- Species:
- Terminalia catappa
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- More than 40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- green, red, white
Native Range
United States: Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Palau, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal areas, tolerates saline conditions
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Fruits are collected and soaked in water overnight to soften the outer skin. The outer skin is then removed, exposing the fibrous endocarp. The shell is lightly tapped with a mallet or hammer to hasten germination. Seeds can also be soaked in hand-hot water (120-135 degrees F) for up to 72 hours to overcome dormancy. Non-viable seeds can be discarded after soaking as they tend to float, while viable seeds sink.
Establishment: The plant is native to tropical coastal areas and is sensitive to high doses of fertilizer. Seeds should be collected when they are mature and ripe for optimum germination. It is not advisable to pick from the tree, as undropped seeds may not be mature yet.
Source: npn.rngr.net