Almendro

''Almendro trees (Dipteryx panamensis, Latin name::Dipteryx oleifera) are also known as almendro de montaña, almond and tonka bean wood. The name Almendro derives from the Spanish word for almond, almendra.''

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The statement above and the information on this page, on from 'description', first written by ForestFinance or affiliates, seeing that they put their name under 'Projects with Almendro', are not accurate and should be improved.


 * The scientific names of Almendro are not Dipteryx panamensis or Dipteryx oleifera. Almendro is Spanish for Almond. When looking for the Spanish definition you will find Prunus dulcis with a disambiguation page for Almendro where the most logical name seems to be Terminalia catappa also known as 'Almendro tropical' (meaning tropical Almendro).


 * Almendro, Eboe, Tonka Bean and probably almendro de montaña are used as common names for Dipteryx oleifera.


 * Dipteryx oleifera will get you Dipteryx which doesn't include Dipteryx panamensis which is a synonym. Other synonyms are Coumarouna oleifera, Coumarouna panamensis, Oleiocarpon panamense.

Probably the tree species ForestFinance means with Almendro is Dipteryx oleifera

Description
Almendro trees can reach a height of approximately 197 feet and up to 5.25 feet in diameter. It is a popular ornamental tree due to its delicate pink blossoms. The Almendro tree blooms from May to September. The hermaphroditic blossoms form a 12 to 20 inches long panicle.

Almendro fruits are oval shaped and 2.5 to 3 inches sized. Their sweet flesh contains an extremely hard shell. Beneath it lies a delicious, bitter-sweet tasting dark brown pit.

Young Almendro trees have a white, smooth bark which later becomes rough and brown. The leathery, pinnate leaves of the Almendro tree are vertically grooved. Its brown-yellow sapwood and yellow-red heartwood is very difficult to distinct.

Geography
The Almendro tree can be found in tropical lowlands and mountains at elevations of up to 3,000 feet above sea level. It grows best on sandy soils, but also thrives on acid ones. Its distribution ranges from the Atlantic coast of southern Nicaragua to Columbia.

Forestry
The germination of the seeds takes 12 to 20 days. Afterwards, the seedlings have to be tended for three to four months in the tree nursery before they can be outplanted. Almendro trees grow best on open areas with sandy soils and much humidity.

Uses
The bright, yellow to reddish Almendro wood is very hard and appropriate for outdoor uses and heavy or marine construction projects. It is considered to be one of the heaviest and most in demand precious woods worldwide. It is used for tools, floors, sports equipment, walking sticks, gears and carving.

Projects with Almendro
Almendro