Tamarindus indica
Tamarind
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Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) - Description
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) (from Arabic: تمر هندی, romanized tamar hindi, "Indian date") is a leguminous tree in the family Fabaceae indigenous to tropical Africa. The genus Tamarindus is a monotypic taxon, having only a single species. The tamarind tree produces edible, pod-like fruit which are used extensively in cuisines around the world. Other uses include traditional medicines and metal polishes. The wood can be used in carpentry. Because of the tamarind's many uses, cultivation has spread around the world in tropical and subtropical zones.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) - Blooming
Blooms conspicuous flowers followed by green seed pods that mature to a brown hue.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) - Growth
Tamarind trees require minimum care, and do best in open sites with full sun exposure. Tamarinds grow well in dry, arid regions, and can survive 5-6 months of drought. The branches are wind resistant, and the extensive root system enables the trees to withstand natural disasters such as typhoons and cyclones. Works great on a homestead, plantation, wasteland, or forest. Yearly rainfall of about 500-1500mm is necessary for the well being of tamarind trees. Can't handle excess rain, more than 4000mm will hinder trees from blooming and bearing fruit. Tamarind trees are also not frost tolerant. They flourish in warm temperatures, but not higher than 37C, or lower than 9.5C.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) - Planting
Tamarind trees are often propagated from the seed. Some pre-planting treatment to the seeds can significantly improve germination success. Pre-treatment includes cutting the seed coat (scarifying) and soaking the seeds in clean water for 24 hours. Sow the seeds 1-2cm deep into the soil in seed beds or pots, spaced 2-3cm apart. Keep seedlings in the nursery until they are 30-40cm tall before moving outdoors. Tamarind trees can also be propagated from stem or softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are cuttings taken from young, non-woody growth. Rooting hormone can be applied to the cuttings. Bud and shoot grafting are also common propagation methods.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) - Pest
Common pests include leaf caterpillars, bag worms, mealybugs, and scale insects. Pests can be controlled by various chemical sprays, or by physical removal of affected plant parts. Tamarindus is also susceptible to a number of fungal diseases such as downy mildew, powdery mildew, collar rot, trunk rot, stem rot, stem canker, and root rot. These diseases can be mitigated by fungicides.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) - Interesting facts
Tamarindus is native to Asia, Africa, and South America, where it is a major agricultural crop. Tamarinds are usually grouped according to their fruit flavor, sweet or sour. They are multi-use trees, providing timber, seeds, fodder, and fruit to growers. They also have medicinal and nutritional value. Tamarind fruits are loaded with B1, B2, and B3 vitamins, and contain many essential amino acids.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) - Soil and irrigation
Tamarind trees grow in many soil types: sandy, rocky, or rich. The soil, however, must be well-draining. Mature trees require little to no irrigation. Young trees should be provided with 1-2 liters of water every two weeks. Best if given in the late afternoon or early evening.
