Ketapang

A tall tree that thrives on the sandy coasts of Malaysia, it is widely cultivated as a wayside tree. A noted pecularity of this species is the tendency for its leaves to turn bright red and fall - a rarity in the tropics where most trees remain evergreen throughout the year. Its Malaysian common name is Ketapang or Sea Almond also known as Terminalia Catappa. The bark, fruit and leaves of the tree have traditionally been used to treat various ailments ranging from skin disease, dysentery, headaches and colic in children. Research has identified properties which could be used in treating hypertension.

Source: Malaysian Timber Council, Various Issues