‘Tamarind’
Description: Growing into a large evergreen tree, usually about 20 m tall but can grow to 30 m tall. The bole is stout and the crown densely foliaged and rounded.
Bark: rough, grey to dark grey-brown, fissured.
Leaves: pinnately compound with 10 to 18 pairs of leaflets which are narrowly oblong, up to 3 cm long
Flowers: fragrant, golden yellow with red veins, about 3 cm across, arranged in lax, slender terminal racemes.
Pods: pale brown, up to 14 cm long, with an edible, sticky, dark brown, acid pulp around the seeds.
Flowering: mainly from March to July but some trees can be found in flower at any time throughout the year.
Practical notes: Can be grown from both seeds and cuttings. The tree is not very compatible with other plants.
Uses: The evergreen habit and the extending crown of the tree make it very suitable for a "rest and cultural tree" in many villages. This tree is recommended for soil conservation measures and for use in agroforestry systems. It can also be planted as an ornamental and for shade, and is very suitable as a wind and fire-break. The very hard and durable wood is excellent for poles, timber, boat-building and general construction work. It also makes good firewood and high quality charcoal.