Indian Almond
THE INDIAN Almond tree, Terminalia catappa,  is an excellent shade tree that  is also renowned for its medicinal qualities, even though these properties are  not so well known by many.
Also known as the Sea Almond or Tropical Almond, this Almond tree is among one of the most common trees throughout India, Malaysia and many other parts of South-East Asia, growing wild as well as cultivated for its striking features as well as its tasty nut.
It is considered native to tropical Asia and northern Australia, but is today also common in tropical parts of the Americas. This tree has a characteristic pagoda shape because it sends out a single stem from the top centre.
When the single stem reaches a good height, it sends out several horizontal branches distinctively arranged in tiers. And as the tree ages, the crown becomes increasingly flattened and eventually take on a vase-shape.
The fruits are almond-shaped in appearance and green, turning brown to purple when ripe. The fibrous shell surrounds an edible nut. This shell helps the fruit to float as the seed is dispersed by water.
Indian Almond trees are planted in Guyana, but most Guyanese are unaware of the medicinal qualities of the tree.
A local horticulturalist has disclosed that the leaves of the Indian almond tree contain several different flavonoids, which are plant-based compounds with powerful antioxidant properties.
This means they reduce inflammation, promote healthy arteries, and help fight aging by preventing — and repairing — cellular damage.
Flavonoids also protect against dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and some cancers.
The tree is also rich in various tannins, astringent and bitter plant polyphenols that either bind and precipitate or shrink proteins.
The compounds found in almond tree leaves have made them an integral part of traditional  
medicine within their native range, and local communities in the Americas have also
adopted them into their collections of home remedies.
But thanks to   its growth style and large leaves, the Indian Almond tree provides deep shade and has also become a beloved  ornamental tree in tropical gardens, parks and along streets.