It needs to be pruned regularly to control its size: the main leader may be cut at the top to create a wide-spreading specimen | catappa has a red, edible fruit, when fully ripe tasting like an almond |
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catappa is a good species for park and garden shade, and makes a good windbreak | The large leaves are up to 25 cm long and 15 cm broad, ovoid, glossy dark green and leathery |
Tolerant of periods of drought, it sheds leaves to withstand dry spells.
18For a tidy appearance, the leaf and fruit litter need to be removed regularly | Plants are susceptible to termite attack; leaves may be attacked by various insects and larvae |
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In Arriyadh, it is not always successful, owing to low humidity, but in a sheltered environment, where other plants are irrigated, growth and foliage are much better |
catappa is deciduous and loses its leaves twice each year; before falling, they turn dark red.
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