An ornamental tree, it grows up to 20 metres in height, with a characteristic pagoda shape, symmetrical crown and horizontal branches | catappa has a red, edible fruit, when fully ripe tasting like an almond |
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In Arriyadh, it is not always successful, owing to low humidity, but in a sheltered environment, where other plants are irrigated, growth and foliage are much better | catappa is deciduous and loses its leaves twice each year; before falling, they turn dark red |
Tolerant of periods of drought, it sheds leaves to withstand dry spells.
It prefers moist, well-drained, sandy and loamy soils, but is adapted to a wide range of substrates, including saline and alkaline sands over limestone | Plants are susceptible to termite attack; leaves may be attacked by various insects and larvae |
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The bark is grey-brown and vertically fissured; the tree has spreading, near-surface, fibrous roots | The Indian Almond Tree, or lawz bajali in Arabic, is widespread in the tropics |
catappa is a good species for park and garden shade, and makes a good windbreak.
The yellowish, inconspicuous flowers with an unpleasant smell are produced on spikes | |
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