Sea Almond
Terminalia catappa
Also listed as Buceras catappa, Juglans catappa
Also known as Tropical Almond, Indian Almond, Country Almond
Climate Match for your location
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A tropical spreading tree prized for its large, colorful foliage that turns red and orange before dropping, and its ornamental winged fruits. Highly salt and drought tolerant, making it ideal for coastal landscapes.
Why grow it
Sea almond offers stronger salt tolerance than most deciduous shade trees, making it a practical choice for coastal properties where wind-driven salt spray limits options. Its moderate drought tolerance once established, combined with reliable seasonal leaf color change, provides structure and visual interest in tropical and subtropical permaculture systems without requiring consistent irrigation. The large leaves and spreading canopy deliver substantial mulch and shade for understory plantings.
Watch out for
In humid tropical regions, leaf spot diseases and fungal issues may require monitoring, particularly if air circulation is poor. The tree's shallow root system means it can be wind-sensitive in exposed locations despite salt tolerance, and dropped fruit and leaves create considerable cleanup in manicured settings. Young trees benefit from staking and initial shelter in very windy coastal areas.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Combretaceae
Native Range
Indo-Pacific tropics
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A tropical spreading tree prized for its large, colorful foliage that turns red and orange before dropping, and its ornamental winged fruits. Highly salt and drought tolerant, making it ideal for coastal landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sea Almond grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Sea almond offers stronger salt tolerance than most deciduous shade trees, making it a practical choice for coastal properties where wind-driven salt spray limits options. Its moderate drought tolerance once established, combined with reliable seasonal leaf color change, provides structure and visual interest in tropical and subtropical permaculture systems without requiring consistent irrigation. The large leaves and spreading canopy deliver substantial mulch and shade for understory plantings.
Watch out for
In humid tropical regions, leaf spot diseases and fungal issues may require monitoring, particularly if air circulation is poor. The tree's shallow root system means it can be wind-sensitive in exposed locations despite salt tolerance, and dropped fruit and leaves create considerable cleanup in manicured settings. Young trees benefit from staking and initial shelter in very windy coastal areas.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Combretaceae
Native Range
Indo-Pacific tropics
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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