Nattuvadumai (Terminalia catappa)

Nattuvadumai, desi badam in Hindi, is the Indian or tropical almond, a coastal tree with tiers of horizontal branches like a pagoda. Its large leaves turn bright red before falling, and its flattened, corky fruits hold a small kernel that tastes like almond. Children crack the fruits on roadsides. It is not the true almond, Prunus dulcis.

Botanical name: Terminalia catappa L.
Family: Combretaceae
Tamil: Nattuvadumai
Hindi: Desi badam
Sanskrit: Ingudī
Parts used: Kernel, Leaves as shade
Habit: Coastal pagoda tree with a corky fruit and edible kernel
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Nattuvadumai

It is a tall, deciduous or semi-evergreen tree with branches in distinct horizontal tiers.

The leaves are very large, broad at the tip and narrow at the base, clustered at branch ends, turning red before they drop.

Small, white flowers grow on long, slender spikes.

The fruit is flattened and almond-shaped, green turning red or purple, with a corky, fibrous husk.

Inside the hard stone is a long, slender, edible kernel.

Traditional use of Nattuvadumai

Kitchen

Children crack the dry fruits to eat the kernel raw.

Indian village practice

Household

Dried fallen leaves are soaked in aquariums to soften water for fish such as bettas.

Aquarium practice

Garden

It is planted as a shade tree on beaches, school grounds and streets.

Indian planting practice

Modern notes on Nattuvadumai

The leaves contain tannins that tint water brown and lower its pH.

The kernels are rich in oil and protein.

It sheds its leaves twice a year in many tropical climates.

Nattuvadumai safety

The kernel is a safe snack. Crack the hard stones carefully.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows on tropical coasts from Asia to the Pacific.

Its corky fruits float and spread by sea.

Fruit bats carry the fruits and drop them away from the tree.

Related plants

Also in Combretaceae

Questions about Nattuvadumai

Is Nattuvadumai a real almond?

No. True almond is Prunus dulcis.

Is the kernel edible?

Yes.

Why do the leaves turn red?

They lose chlorophyll before falling.

Why do aquarists use the leaves of Nattuvadumai?

They soften and tint the water.

Why is Nattuvadumai called a pagoda tree?

Its branches grow in tiers.

Can I grow Nattuvadumai in a garden?

It grows fast but needs space, as its crown and roots spread wide.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.