Tamarind

Tamarindus indica
Family: Caesalpiniaceae

This single-species genus of evergreen tree, a native of eastern Africa, has become naturalized in Southeast Asia. Grown mostly for its tart fruit (eaten fresh or used in chutneys and curries), it makes a good garden or park tree, with decora­tive, graceful foliage and attractive form. Tamarindus indica grows to about 20 m (65 ft) in ideal conditions, but is generally much smaller. It has fern-like leaves and small clusters of pale yellow to brown flowers in summer, fol­lowed by the 20 cm (8 in) long, dark brown seed pods.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in an intermediate to warm greenhouse or conserva­tory, perhaps as a young foliage plant, in pots of soil-based potting compost. Outdoors tamarinds like hill sun, deep soil and plenty of moisture. Propagate from seed in a warm prop­agating case, but bear in mind that seedlings are prone to damping off, and seedling trees take a long time to bear fruit.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 10 to tropical.