Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang) Terminalia catappa
Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang) (Terminalia catappa) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Combretaceae family, native to Coasts of tropical Asia, northern Australia and the western Pacific. It grows 10–25 m (33–82 ft) tall and 10–18 m (33–59 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 4 °C (39 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
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Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Combretaceae |
| Mature height | 10–25 m (33–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–18 m (33–59 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 4 °C (39 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–313 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: kernel (almond-like) |
| Native to | Coasts of tropical Asia, northern Australia and the western Pacific |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇮🇳 India, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang)
- How far apart should I plant Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang)?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–18 m (33–59 ft).
- Does Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang)?
- It tolerates about 4 °C (39 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang) flower?
- About 156–313 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tropical almond (Indian almond, hu kwang). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- Tiered, pagoda-like branches; big leaves turn red and fall once or twice a year. Salt- and wind-tolerant beach tree. The dried leaves are sold for betta-fish and aquarium water.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Rangoon creeper Combretum indicum
- Kakadu plum (gubinge, billygoat plum) Terminalia ferdinandiana
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata