The Tamarind tree
With a very attractive growth habit, the Tamarind Tree is a lovely slow growing tropical tree with soft attractive foliage and yellow flowers in summer. The botanical name is Tamarindus indica however simply known as the Tamarind tree.
Strictly a tropical to sub tropical tree, although it is originally from Africa, this is a tree that has been carried around the world and is now widely grown.
How To grow the Tamarind Tree
Semi evergreen in cooler conditions with a graceful slightly pendulous habit it is a tree that will grow well in Northern Australia where the distinct dry season provides the conditions it requires.
This is a reasonably drought tolerant tree once established, a free draining soil is important and it is also best grown where it will not have root competition from other trees and shrubs.
It will reach 20m in ideal conditions forming a broad rounded crown as in reaches maturity.
Propagation is from seeds, also from cuttings. Most commercially grown varieties are grafted.
Care
- Trees need to protected from frosts when young.
- Trees require water during summer
- Tolerant of coastal conditions
- Best in a fertile soil in tropical to sub tropical conditions.
Landscaping and other uses
Grown commercially for the fruits or pods which are used in asian cooking, this is an attractive evergreen tree that could also be used as an ornamental.
The fruit is used to produce Tamarind Paste, Eaten Fresh and used to make Tamarind Tea, the timber is termite resistant and very strong. Products from the fruit are widely used in south east Asian and Indian cuisines.
With a number of commercial uses it a tree that is underused in Australia and perhaps under appreciated.
As a tropical tree it is regarded as one of th best small to medium trees for use as a shade tree, it can also be used as a shelter belt for stock as well as wind break.
This is a long lived tree and the yellow and red flowers attract bees and other insects to the garden.
Growing Tamarind Trees in cooler climates.
In cooler climates, you could try growing the Tamarind tree in a container and overwinter indoors or on a sunny enclosed patio.
Pruning
Tamarind trees can be pruned to shape and size if required, they can also be used as bonsai specimens where they form a very thick trunk.