Tamarindus indica L.

  • Authority

    Popenoe, Wilson. 1924. Economic fruit-bearing plants of Ecuador. Contr. U. S. Natl. Herb. 24: i-ix, 101-134. pl. 34-49.

  • Family

    Caesalpiniaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Tamarindus indica L.

  • Description

    Description - The tamarind, a handsome tree which reaches 18 meters in height, has pale green, abruptly pinnate leaves composed of 10 to 20 pairs of obtuse oblong leaflets, each about a centimeter Iong. The pale yellow flowers, borne in small lax racemes, are about 2.5 cm. broad, and are followed by flattened cinnamon-brown pods, 7.5 to 20 cm. long. These have a thin, brittle outer shell, within which are the brown, acid pulp and several obovate. flattened seeds.

    Uses - Its fruit is used to prepare refreshing drinks and to season food.

  • Common Names

    tamarindo