Island Ecology
Food Heritage
Midhili - The Tropical Almond Trees of Maldives
Midhili; the tropical almond tree, stands quietly along Maldivian shores and island interiors, its wide, tiered branches offering shade where the sun is fiercest. To many, it is simply a coastal tree. To Maldivians, it is memory and sustenance. Known locally as Midhili gas (Terminalia catappa), it grows along sandy fringes and forested interiors. Its fallen fruits are gathered and cracked open to reveal Kanamadhu, a soft, creamy seed used in traditional foods and local sweets.
By SF
•
Feb 3, 2026
6 min read
