Badam Tree, Indian Almond Tree, Terminalia catappa – Plant

Description

Bring home the magnificent Kathe Badam (काठे बदाम) , also known as the Indian Almond Tree or Tropical Almond (Terminalia catappa) . This stately, tiered-branch tree is one of Nepal’s most beloved ornamental and utility trees, now available as premium hybrid seedlings from Gupta Nursery .

Whether you need a sprawling shade tree for your farm, an elegant specimen for your garden, or a source of delicious, almond-like nuts, the Kathe Badam is the perfect choice. Thriving in Nepal’s tropical and subtropical climates, this “false kamani” has been documented growing at elevations of up to 1,000 meters in Eastern Nepal .

Why You’ll Love Our Kathe Badam Tree

• Nepal’s Iconic “Kathe Badam”: Known locally as Kaathe Badaam (काठे बदाम) or Small Hejalnut, this tree is a familiar sight in the Nepali terai and mid-hills, valued for its unique beauty and utility .

• The “Pagoda” Tree – Stunning Architecture: Younger trees exhibit a breathtaking pagoda form, with horizontal branches growing in distinct, symmetrical tiers (false whorls) . This gives the tree a manicured, layered look that requires no pruning, making it a standout feature in any landscape .

• Massive & Long-Lived Specimen: Growing to heights of 25-40 meters (80-130 feet) with a trunk diameter of 1-1.5 meters, this is a tree for generations. The bole is usually straight and cylindrical, often developing impressive buttresses up to 3 meters high as it matures .

• Edible & Nutritious “Almonds”: The fruit is a drupe that turns from green to yellow to red when ripe. Inside is a seed (kernel) that is edible and tastes remarkably like an almond. These kernels are highly nutritious, containing carbohydrates, minerals, proteins, lipids, and vitamins .

• Spectacular Seasonal Foliage: While evergreen in some climates, in Nepal it often behaves as a briefly deciduous tree. The large, leathery, obovate leaves (up to 30cm long!) turn stunning shades of pinkish-red, yellow, and brown before falling, creating a vibrant seasonal display .

• Medicinal Powerhouse (Ayurvedic): Every part of this tree—leaves, bark, and fruit—is used in traditional medicine. Scientific studies have confirmed its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective (liver protecting), and anticancer properties