Tamarind

Excellent shade tree with graceful, feathery foliage creating dappled light. The spreading canopy (up to 25m wide) makes it ideal for large spaces, parks, and avenues. Develops a distinctive gnarled trunk with age, adding sculptural interest. Wind-resistant and drought-tolerant once established.

Traditional medicine uses the fruit pulp as a mild laxative and for fever reduction. Leaves are used in poultices for joint pain and inflammation. Bark preparations treat diarrhea and stomach ailments. Seeds ground into paste for treating boils. Rich in tartaric acid, vitamins B and C, and minerals.

The sweet-sour fruit pulp is essential in Asian, Latin American, and African cuisines. Used in chutneys, curries, pad thai, agua fresca, and Worcestershire sauce. Young pods and flowers are edible. Seeds can be roasted as snacks. Pulp makes excellent preserves, candy, and beverages.

Native to tropical Africa, thrives in semi-arid to tropical climates. Nitrogen-fixing tree improving soil fertility. Provides habitat for birds and bats. Deep taproot prevents erosion. Tolerates various soil types but prefers well-drained conditions. Can live 200+ years. Host plant for several butterfly species.

Evergreen tree 12-18m tall with pinnate leaves having 10-20 pairs of small leaflets that fold at night. Brown, pod-like fruits 10-15cm long containing sticky brown pulp and hard seeds. Rough, dark grey bark with longitudinal fissures. Small yellow flowers with red veins in racemes.

Extremely hard, dense wood (density 0.8-0.9 g/cm3) with beautiful red-brown heartwood. Excellent for furniture, flooring, and boat building. Resistant to termites and fungi. Difficult to work but takes excellent polish. Used for mortars, pestles, and agricultural implements. Burns slowly, making quality charcoal.

The name derives from Arabic 'tamr hindi' meaning 'Indian date'. Seeds have been used as playing pieces in board games for centuries. In Thailand, it's the sacred tree of Phetchabun province. Metal polish can be made from the acidic pulp. Some specimens in India are over 300 years old.