Geo-graphical Distribution and Morphological Characterization of Terminalia catappa L. (Tropical Almond) in the Galle District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Morphological variations occur in phenotype-based on environmental conditions. This research aimed to study the variations in morphological characters of Terminalia catappa L. plants found in different geographical locations in Galle District. The data was collected from 70 individual plants and sampling sites were identified through the snowball sampling technique based on referrals named by the primary contacts. The study found that the T. catappa plants varied in height from 8.0 - 40.0 m with irregular or spreading canopy. Bark colour had four colours and the diameter at breast height varied from 10 - 57 cm. The immature leaves were light green in colour and covered with brown hairs. The leaves were obovate with mucronate or obtuse tips and auriculate or subcordate at the base. The inflorescence length varied from 6.0- 30.0 cm and flowers were white, greenish white or cream in colour and 0.5- 1.1 cm in length and 0.2- 0.6 cm in width. The fruit varied in length and in width. Fruits were ovoid to ovate in shape and rarely rounded, green when immature and yellow or bright red when ripe. The ripe fruit weight varied from 8-35.5 g. The seed weight varied from 0.4-1.5 g.