Editing Terminalia catappa (section)

=== Soil and water ===

In its coastal habitat, ''Terminalia catappa'' grows in moderately fertile, well-drained soils and shows a preference for sands and loamy sands. A soil reaction around pH 5–7 is reported, with tolerance of a broader range, and established trees tolerate saline soils, salt spray, and periods of drought.<sup>[[#cite_note-3|[3]]]</sup> Drainage remains important: salt and drought tolerance in an established tree should not be treated as permission to keep a newly planted tree dry. Water young trees through establishment, then adjust irrigation to rainfall, soil drainage, and the tree's seasonal leaf response.