Description: The tree is of moderate size, usually from 20 to 30 feet high, with spreading branches. The leaves are lance-shaped, finely toothed (or serrated) at the edges. The flowers are produced before the leaves - early in March; and in great profusion.

Varieties: Jordan Almonds: These almonds are large in size, narrow, elongated in shape and has thin skin.
Valentia Almonds: This variety is broader and shorter than the Jordan variety, with a thicker dusty brown, scurfy skin.
Sicilian and Barbary Almonds: These closely resemble the Valentia Almonds but are rather smaller and of an inferior quality.

Uses: It is used as a snack and also for confectionery purposes. It is also used in medicine, being rich in bland oil. Fresh Sweet Almonds possess demulcent and nutrient properties. Blanched and beaten into an emulsion with barley water, Sweet Almonds are of great use in the stone, gravel, strangury and other disorders of the kidneys, bladder and biliary ducts.