Wild Tamarind

Title

Wild Tamarind

Authors

Ethan H. Freid

Scientific Name

Lysiloma latisiliquum (L.) Benth.

Description

Family

Fabaceae

Lysiloma latisiliquum grows as a medium to large tree up to 20 m in height with a trunk to 1 m in diameter. The bark is smooth and grayish white. The bipinnate leaves are arranged alternately with large ovate stipules at the base of the petioles. There are 2- 5 pairs of pinnae each with 10-35 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oblong with an obtuse tip and entire margin.

The actinomorphic flowers are arranged in heads with each flower subtended by a bract. There are 5 fused sepals in the calyx forming a shallow tube. There are 5 fused petals in the corolla forming a tube that exceeds the calyx. There are numerous, white, showy stamens that are 8-10 times as long as the perianth. The ovary is superior with a single locule. The fruit is a legume that becomes slightly revolute at maturity. Over time, as the fruit ages, the outer coating peels away so that the fruit is white and brown. The seeds are dark brown.

Lysiloma latisiliquum grows in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formations- Forest/Shrublands (coppice), Pine Woodlands, as well as in human disturbed areas.

Lysiloma latisiliquum occurs throughout the entire Bahamian Archipelago as well as southern Florida, Central America, and the Caribbean region.

Lysiloma latisiliquum has no known medicinal uses in the Bahamas.

Lysiloma latisiliquum is sought after by wood carvers for its distinctive wood grain and has also been used by boat builders.

In southern Florida Lysiloma latisiliquum is used in the horticultural industry.