Basic Information about the Specimen:

• Name of Specimen: Red Leaves of Terminalia catappa
• General Description: The leaves of the Terminalia catappa tree, a member of the Combretaceae family, are well-known in Vietnam as Indian Almond leaves. These leaves are characterized by a smooth and somewhat thick surface. The veins are prominent, running along the length of the leaf and branching out from the petiole. The leaves possess a certain rigidity, resisting easy breakage when bent. The petioles of the Indian Almond leaves are typically short, forming a tight connection with the tree trunk and branches, aiding in maintaining a specific angle for optimal sunlight absorption.

Overview:

• Species: Terminalia catappa
• Distribution: This species is common in tropical regions, including Southeast Asia. The climatic and soil conditions of Vietnam are ideal for its growth. The origin of this species is currently a subject of debate, potentially tracing back to India, the Malay Peninsula, or New Guinea.

Introduction:
The Indian Almond tree is a hardwood species that can grow up to 35 meters tall. The tree's crown is straight and symmetrical, becoming flatter as it matures. The leaves are large, ovate, dark green, and glossy. They are usually shed early in the dry season, changing color to yellow-brown or red-pink before falling, as shown in the sample image.

The reddening of the leaves is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll – the pigment responsible for their green color. As chlorophyll diminishes, other pigments in the leaves become more visible. Carotenoids (providing yellow and orange) and anthocyanins (providing red and purple) become more pronounced, resulting in the leaves' distinctive red color. This color change is also a sign of the tree preparing to shed its leaves, a survival strategy to conserve resources like water and nutrients during dry or cold seasons.


In the distant photo of a Terminalia catappa leaf, we can see the entire leaf with its veins. The smaller veins run parallel and connect to the main vein, aiding in the distribution of water and nutrients to all parts of the leaf. At the same time, they also help maintain the leaf's shape and elasticity.


Through a microscope lens, we can observe the main white veins of the Terminalia catappa leaf amidst a green background. The dark green surrounding the veins is due to the cells containing chlorophyll, which enables the leaf to perform photosynthesis and produce food for the plant. The yellow or light-colored spots may result from aging cells or damage caused by environmental factors like pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies.

Biological Characteristics:

• In the Ecosystem: Terminalia catappa plays an important role in its ecosystem. Its broad leaves provide ample shade, making it a popular choice in public spaces. The fruit of the tree serves as a food source for various bird species.

• Medicinal Properties: The leaves, bark, and fruit of the Indian Almond tree have been utilized in traditional Vietnamese medicine. The leaves are particularly renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties and are used to treat skin issues and wounds. The bark and fruit are valued for their liver-protective and antioxidant properties.

Significance in Vietnam:

• In rural areas, it is commonly planted around homes for shade and decorative purposes. The tree contributes significantly to the natural landscape and cultural heritage of the country. Its ecological benefits, medicinal value, and aesthetic appeal make it an integral part of the Vietnamese way of life. The Indian Almond tree not only exemplifies the country's biodiversity but also symbolizes the connection between the Vietnamese people and nature.

References:

Bằng T. V. (2021, June 10). Cây Bàng - Đặc điểm và công dụng của cây bàng. Xưởng Tre Trúc. https://xuongtretruc.com/cay-bang.html
Enking, L. (n.d.). Red leaves of Terminalia catappa. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/33037982@N04/5437688362
Morton, J. F. (1985). Indian almond (Terminalia catappa), salt-tolerant, useful, tropical tree with “nut” worthy of improvement. Economic Botany, 39(2), 101–112. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02907830
Nguyen, Q., Nguyen, V. B., Eun, J., Wang, S., Nguyễn, Đ. T., Tran, T. T., & Nguyen, A. D. (2016). Anti-oxidant and antidiabetic effect of some medicinal plants belong to Terminalia species collected in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. Research on Chemical Intermediates, 42(6), 5859–5871. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11164-015-2409-3
Thomson, A. J., & Evans, B. (2006, April). Terminalia catappa (tropical almond). www.traditionaltree.org.

Written by Hoàng Mạnh Kiên, a first-year student at VinUniversity, Hanoi, Vietnam.