Tamarindus indica
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica; also known as tamarind) is a Fabaceae fruit plant grown for its fruit. The accepted scientific name is used as the canonical page title.
 | |
| Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Tamarindus indica |
| Genus | Tamarindus |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Growth and size | Long-lived evergreen to semi-evergreen tree; 12–25 m |
| Climate and site | Deep drained soil; seasonal tropical climates and dry periods |
| Propagation | Fresh seed 1–3 weeks; grafting for sweet cultivars |
| Fruit and harvest | Pods mature in the dry season; brown acidic or sweet pulp |
Identification and description[edit | edit source]
Tamarind is a long-lived leguminous tree adapted to seasonal tropics. Its brown pods contain acidic or sweet pulp and develop best with sun and a pronounced dry interval.
The accepted genus, family, and order are Tamarindus, Fabaceae, and Fabales.
Growing[edit | edit source]
Tamarind is a drought-tolerant tropical African tree now cultivated widely in monsoon and dry tropical climates. It prefers full sun and drainage, benefits from water during establishment, and flowers and fruits more reliably with a seasonal dry period.
Deep drained soil; seasonal tropical climates and dry periods. Provide airflow and avoid standing water unless the species is being grown in a deliberately wet habitat.
Soil[edit | edit source]
Deep drained soil; seasonal tropical climates and dry periods; preserve native drainage and organic-matter conditions rather than treating all tropical fruit trees alike.
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Most plants in this group prefer bright light; young trees may need shelter while roots establish. Humidity should be paired with airflow, not stagnant enclosure.
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
Flowering and harvest vary with local wet/dry or cool/warm cycles. Adjust irrigation to the species' native rhythm and protect warm-tropical plants during cool weather.
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Fresh seed 1–3 weeks; grafting for sweet cultivars. Seedlings may vary in fruit quality and maturity; use grafting or other clonal methods when a named selection must be preserved.
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Pods mature in the dry season; brown acidic or sweet pulp. Local climate, cultivar, rootstock, pollination, and rainfall can shift the calendar substantially.
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The ripe fruit is eaten fresh and may be used in drinks, preserves, desserts, or regional savory preparations. Handle ripe fruit carefully because many tropical fruits soften rapidly after harvest.
Commentary[edit | edit source]
Growers are welcome to share observations on the talk page, including climate, provenance, propagation method, plant age, flowering, fruiting, and growing conditions.
Photos[edit | edit source]
The images above show documented fruit, flower, or plant-habit views. See the individual Commons file pages in the image credits for authorship and license details.
Sources[edit | edit source]
Image credits[edit | edit source]
- Tamarindus indica pods.JPG — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.
- Tamarind tree branches.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.
