Terminalia mantaly ‘Red’

The Red Madagascar Almond (Terminalia bentzoë) is a medium-sized tropical tree native to Madagascar. It is an impressively structured, architectural tree with strong apical dominance characteristic of the Terminalia species, particularly in its youth. Its trunk is smooth, and its horizontal branches grow in tiered layers called “whorls,” creating a dense, pyramidal form clad in soft, velvety foliage. In full sun, the tree puts on a eye-catching show of delicate foliage in glowing red and subtle green tones arranged in a crown-like pattern. Without sufficient sunlight, the foliage shifts to a predominantly green color, while excess water causes yellowing leaves, a clear sign of nutrient deficiency or stress.

This tree is ideally suited to tropical–subtropical climates and warm regions along the Coastal Plain and Lowlands. It handles urban microclimates and mild coastal exposure well, thriving in well-drained soils free from hard frosts. It prefers rich, well-aerated soil mixes or garden beds with generous root space, though it has low-to-moderate tolerance for soil or water salinity and is not recommended for immediate beachfront exposures (first line to the sea).

Its growth rate is moderate, accelerating as the tree matures and establishes. It requires regular watering during its initial years, after which it becomes relatively water-wise.

Propagation is done via grafting, making this cultivar a unique and likely newly introduced clone. It should be treated as such, as there is not yet long-term documentation of mature specimens reaching the large dimensions or full characteristics of its relatives in the Terminalia mantaly family. We cultivate two of these relatives at our nursery: the classic, widely known Terminalia mantaly, and Terminalia ‘Tornado’ – our pride and joy, which is part of our proprietary, patented cultivar collection developed here at Ilan Nurseries Ltd.

The distinctly layered structure of the Red Madagascar Almond allows for sleek, uniform tree rows that cleanly define axes, walkways, and open-air seating areas. The reddish-green foliage intensifies under full sun, beautifully pairing a sophisticated color palette with a clean, orderly canopy throughout the season.

Combining a precise architectural silhouette, dynamic foliage color, and environmental resilience, this tree serves as a striking centerpiece for modern, commercial, and residential landscape projects. It is most commonly used in patios or as a focal tree in both small and large gardens, and as it proves its performance in local conditions alongside its relatives, its use across the landscape industry is bound to grow

Additional trees from the same family: Terminalia catappa (Sea Almond) | Terminalia mantaly | Terminalia mantaly ‘Tornado’ | Terminalia mantaly ‘Red’