Indian Almond Tree (Sea Almond)

The Indian almond, or sea almond, is a tropical shade tree with tiered, horizontal branches and large glossy leaves. Before they drop in winter the leaves turn red, yellow and purple, and new leaves follow quickly. It tolerates salt and wind, which makes it ideal for coastal gardens.

Why an Indian almond tree?

• High tolerance of salt, drought and wind.
• Tiered horizontal branches for wide shade.
• Leaves that turn red before they fall.
• Adapts to sandy, clay and alkaline soils.

Where to plant it

In coastal gardens, resorts and public parks, and as a shade tree in large courtyards. It reaches 9–14 m tall and 10–15 m wide. Its fruit and large leaves drop and can stain paving and cars, so don't plant it over parking or paths, and keep it back from pavements because its surface roots can lift paving.

Care in the Saudi climate

• Light: full, direct sun.
• Water: regular until established, then drought tolerant.
• Soil: sandy or clay, acidic or alkaline, as long as it drains well.
• Salt and wind: tolerates sea spray and wind, so it suits seafront gardens in Jeddah.
• Cold: frost-tender; protect young trees on Riyadh's cold nights.
• Leaves: it drops its leaves briefly in winter, then regrows them.

Sizes

• 2 m: Coastal gardens – grows on in place.
• 2.5–3.0 m (trunk about 2 inches thick): Courtyards and resorts – quicker shade.