Hard Almond

A small-to-medium sized deciduous tree, reaching 6-10 m in height. It is a long-lived plant. Its growth habit varies, depending on the variety, from erect to pendulous. The roots initially develop as a taproot and can explore an area 3-4 times greater than the canopy projection in semi-arid areas. The trunk and branches are twisted, with a blackish bark. The leaves are lanceolate, with serrated edges, and green in color. The flowers are pink; flowering time varies depending on the variety and climate (January-March); it generally occurs before or at the same time as the leaves appear. Most varieties are self-sterile, so it is advisable to grow plants of different varieties (called pollinators) close together. The fruit is a drupe, ovoid in shape, with a fleshy, green exocarp (called the husk), covered in hairs or glabrous; the endocarp (called the shell) is woody; the seed (called the almond) is the edible part. Harvesting occurs when the husk is open and partially dried.