Tamarindus indica (Tamarind)


Botanical Information

FamilyFabaceae
GenusTamarindus
Speciesindica
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginTropical Africa.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
Used to soothe inflammations such as sore throats and sprains. Used in sauces, pastes and a seasoning for food. Delicious as a snack.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone10 - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season preotection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c - H2
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)6
Temperature (°F)45
Heightup to 30 m
Spread7 - 12 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay, June, July, August

Description and Growing Information

ShapeLarge rounded crown.
LandscapeFruit tree, accent tree, mass plantings, large tropical landscapes, warm climate landscapes, warm city and courtyard gardens or as a specimen.
PropagationSeed.
CultivationPlant in full sun to partial shade in warm, moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil rich in nutrients.
HabitatTropical woodlands.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth woody bark with occasional vertical scars along the trunk. New growth and leaf stems are smooth, slightly waxy and glabrous.
Leaf DescriptionSmall, obovate oppositely-arranged leaves that grow along vine-like leaf stems and branches.
Flower DescriptionSmall inconspicuous flowers in terminal clumped tufts.
Fruit DescriptionSeed pod tamarind fruit that, when young, are fresh and vivid. When mature, the husk darkens and hardens into a woody consistency, further exposing the large bean-like seeds inside.
Colour DescriptionMedium green to emerald green foliage. Leaf stems are light to pale green. Bark and mature branches are a pale grey-tan colour. Flowers are a pale greenish-yellow. Tamarind fruit, when young, are shades of yellow-green with tinges of red. When mature, the fruit husks brown and expose the black seeds inside.
Texture DescriptionMedium.

Photographs