If you have sensitive species (like crystal shrimp and certain South American fish) that prefer low pH and soft water, Indian almond leaves can slowly lower pH by releasing tannic acid, humic acids, fulvic acids, and other organic compounds with weak acidity.
Bettas prefer soft, low-pH water. Tannins can act as both a preventative treatment and active treatment for many fish illnesses.
Since the leaves float for the first few days, betta fish and gouramis sometimes create bubble nests underneath the leaves for additional support.