Dilip Walse Patil

Scientific Name : Terminalia catappa L.

Category : Angiosperms

Status : Alive

Habit : A small tree with whorled, horizontal branches in successive tiers. Leaves : Alternate, 6-12 inch long, obovate, oblong, pointed at apex, base rounded with a depressed gland on each side of the midrib, exstipulate. Inflorescence : Axillary solitary spikes. Flowers : Greenish-white, small, bracteoles minute, lanceolate. The upper flowers male, the lower hermaphrodite. Calyx-tube ovoid, teeth 4-5 triangular. Petals 0. Stamens 8-10, episepalous. Ovary inferior, ovules pendulous, style awl-shaped, stigma simple. Fruit : A fibrous drupe, oval or ellipsoid, compressed, with 2 elevated margins, convex on both sides. Flowering and Fruiting Time : August - September Significance : Planted in the gardens and can be used on road-sides as a shade-tree. The fruit is edible. The juice of the leaves is used in headaches and skin diseases. The fruit is cooling astringent to bowels.