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This attractive tree has horizontal, tiered branches and a broad,
flattened canopy which is often twice as wide as its height of 60 ft
(18 m).
The leaves are glossy green and broadly oval with prominent veins;
as they age they turn bright orange, then red, and fall at any time
of year, though the tree is never completely bare.
The inconspicuous but lightly fragrant white flowers are held on
spikes near the ends of branches .
They are followed by yellow fruit, which are tinged with red when
ripe; they consist of fibrous flesh surrounding an almond-like seed
of which the kernel is edible, either raw or roasted.
Flowering colors: White,fragrant
Garden type: Seaside.Position: Sunny
Cultivation:They need well-drained soil and plenty of sun; some
species tolerate salty winds and dry conditions.
Propagate from seed .
Medical use: Oil is employed medicinally as a substitute for true
almond oil to relieve abdominal inflammations, and, cooked with the
leaves, in treating leprosy, scable and other skin diseases.Lleaves
have a sudorific action and are applied to rheumatic joints. Tannin
from bark and leaves used as an astringent in dysentery and thrush.
It is also regarded as diuretic and cardiotonic and is applied
externally on skin eruptions. In the Philippines a decoction of the
leaves is employed as a vermifuge. Seed consumed as laxative. |
