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.

Tamarindus indica fruit, flower, or plant habit. Wikimedia Commons file page.
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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Field view or fruit detail of Tamarindus indica. Wikimedia Commons file page.

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

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

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

Growers are welcome to share observations on the talk page, including climate, provenance, propagation method, plant age, flowering, fruiting, and growing conditions.

Photos

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

• Useful Tropical Plants: Tamarindus indica

Image credits

• 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.