Tephrocactus articulatus

Tephrosia vogelii, Tephrosia vogellii

Tephrosia is a perennial leguminous shrub indigenous to Uganda; in Lusoga and Luganda, it is known as muluku. It slow-growing, herbaceous, with soft, hairy-velvet leaves, pleasant to touch. Young leaves are silvery. The flower is about an inch across, and purple with white markings or white. The flowers are borne on compact racemes that bloom over a 3-6 week period. The plant is considered to be self-pollinated. The plant tolerates poor soils and harsh sites, attracts bees and butterflies.

Tephrosia is capable of fixing nitrogen from the air for improvement of soil fertility. The shrubs may be periodically pruned, applying immature plant parts to improve the soil. Leaves and roots of Tephrosia contain rotenone, a compound that is toxic to the root rats as well as fish and some insects. One new promising technology to control root rats is to plant Tephrosia as scattered plants in a field or as a barrier around fields. Tephrosia leaves can be used in insect control. Scientists at Kawanda have found the dried and powdered leaves of Tephrosia to be effective in the control of storage pests; in southern Tanzania, crushed fresh leaves are used in control of maize stalk borer. Tephrosia is also known as 'fish bean'; it is often used to paralyze fish, causing them to float to the surface.

Terminalia bentzoe, Terminalia angustifolia

Terminalia calamansanai

The seeds are eaten raw or cooked.

Terminalia catappa

The Tropical almond tree (Terminalia catappa) is a large deciduous tree that grows up to 100 feet tall and can survive in cold regions as long as temperatures do not drop below 30FF. It is native to USDA Zones 9-11 and grows best in full sun and with moderate water. In addition to being an ornamental tree, the tropical almond tree is also a valuable source of nutrition. Each tree can produce edible fruits, which are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. The kernel of the fruit is particularly rich in proteins and fats, and has been shown to improve eye health, reduce inflammation, and strengthen teeth and bones.

In addition to its nutritional properties, the tropical almond tree has several other medicinal uses. In Taiwan, the fallen leaves of the tree are used as a herbal drug to treat liver diseases. The kernel of the fruit has been shown to have aphrodisiac properties. In Suriname's traditional medicine, a tea made from the leaves is used to treat dysentery and diarrhea.

The tropical almond tree is also known for its salt and drought tolerance, and can be grown in a container where its size can be controlled for many years.

Terminalia foetidissima

Terminalia ivorensis

One of the principle timbers of west Africa, it is widely harvested from the wild and has been introduced into many other tropical countries as a promising timber plantation species. It is also cultivated as a shade tree in cacao plantations.

Terminalia kaernbachii, Terminalia okari

Terminalia kaernbachii is a majestic tree native to Papua New Guinea, growing to be a big tree taller than twenty feet with small trees between ten and twenty feet. This tree not only looks beautiful with its off-white flowers but is also edible. It promises abundance with high quality edible nuts and needs a bit of sunshine for full growth.

Terminalia kaernbachii produces high quality nuts which are similar to almonds. These nuts have an excellent and mild almond-like flavor, so they can be eaten raw, roasted, or baked - greatly increasing the edible range of these nuts. Being one of the most nutrient-rich foods, okari nuts contain healthy fats, minerals, riboflavin, and vitamin E and are known to be high in potassium and protein. Depending on the size of the tree, it can potentially produce 40-50 kg of edible nuts, making it a valuable component to any harvest.

Being a tree native to Papua New Guinea, Terminalia kaernbachii prefers sunny areas and plenty of water, however it is also quite resilient when it comes to its growing conditions and can flourish in locations ranging from sea-level to an altitude of 1100m. Generally, okari nuts require regular waterings but, if planted in a pot and grown in colder regions, waterings need to be moderated - allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. With proper planting and growing care, Terminalia kaernbachii can be a beautiful addition to any garden while providing edible and nutritious fruits.

Terminalia mantaly

Terminalia mantaly is a deciduous or evergreen tree with conspicuously layered branches. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of dyes and tannins. It can be used in reforestation projects and is a good shade tree, often being grown as an ornamental and to provide shade along streets.

Terminalia muelleri

Terminalia muelleri (Australian almond) is an ideal choice for those seeking a full sun tree with moderate water needs that attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other wildlife. Growing to a maximum of around 30 feet tall, it is perfect for areas requiring a small tree, such as a street tree, small residential lot, or providing shade on a patio.

This Australian native tree is easy to care for and thrives in USDA Zones 9-11. It prefers a full-sun location, tolerates some wind, and should be sheltered from frost. It can grow in various soil types, including alkaline, acid, and salt, provided the soil is well-drained. If grown in a pot in a colder area, a soil-less potting medium is recommended, and it should be kept in a protected area from the wind.

Though the small white or off-white flowers are not particularly showy, they serve as an essential food source for butterflies and hummingbirds. The bright red foliage during winter adds visual interest, while the dark blue, small fruits that follow the flowers can be enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

The tree features a symmetrical, horizontally-layered silhouette with an arrow-straight trunk. Its leathery, four-inch-long leaves turn an attractive red in autumn and winter before dropping. In spring, spikes of tiny greenish-white blossoms appear, followed by dark blue, small fruits. This versatile tree is well-suited for street tree planting or as a specimen tree for small residential lots, providing shade for patios or decks.