Back
Tamarindus indica L.
| Family Name: | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
| Common Name: | Tamarind, Asam, Asam Jawa, Tamarindo, Indian Date, 罗望子, 酸豆 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Big (>30m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 12 m to 30 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 12 m to 18 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Spontaneous (Casual)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Foliage | Pinnately compound leaves are about 20cm long, with 10-18 pairs of leaflets, and are slightly arching. Individual leaflets are small, about 1.5-2cm long, and oblong. The effect is that the leaves appear fine and fern-like. |
|---|---|
| Flowers | The zygomorphic flowers are quite small, and resemble orchids, about 2cm in diameter, pale yellow with purple or red veins. They are produced in small, drooping clusters. |
| Fruit | The fruit is a legume. The pod is long, between 5 -15cm in length; brown, thick and velvety. Each fruit contains 8-10 hard and flat seeds, surrounded by a yellow-brown edible pulp. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | A slow-growing semi-deciduous tree which can attain a height of 30m in the wild. It has a short, stocky trunk with greyish brown, fissured bark, and a dome or umbrella-shaped crown of dense, compound leaves. The leaves are usually shed when there is a dry spell. Propagation:Propagated from seeds and cuttings. Seeds remain viable for several months, and take about 1-2 weeks to germinate. Seeds should be properly cleaned and removed from the pulp before storage.Ethnobotanical Use (Food) :The flowers, leaves, seedlings and pulp of the riped fruit are edible. The fruit pulp is used in Indian and Southeast Asian cooking to achieve a sour taste. It is also an essential ingredient in Worcestershire sauce. Ethnobotanical Use (Medicinal) :The fruits are thought to improve digestion, relieve gas and soothe sore throats. Ethnobotanical Use (Other) :The bark and leaves are used for tanning. Pods can be used as animal feed. The sour juice of unripe fruits are used as a pickling agent. |
| Cultivation | Prefers full sun, and tolerates a wide range of soil textures and soil pH, from very acidic (pH4.5) to alkaline (pH8.7). Requires moderate watering. |
| Etymology | The monotypic genus Tamarindus is derived from the Arabic phrase "at-tamr al-hindi" meaning "date of India", in reference to the fruit. The specific epithet indica refers to India. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Food (Herb and Spice) (Fruit & Vegetable) Cultural / Religious: Heritage Tree: There are currently 3 individuals of Tamarindus indica listed as Heritage Trees in Singapore. The trees can be found in various parts of Singapore. To find out more about these trees, please visit the Heritage Tree Register. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is suitable for streetscape planting, parks and gardens for its edible fruits. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
| Landscape Uses | Roadside Tree / Palm, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Compound (Even-Pinnate) |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Rough |
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1881 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3174 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |