Tamarind Tree

Scientific name: Tamarindus indica

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 55.02″ N, 64° 49′ 51.03″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Marker Page: Tamarindus indica (Tamarind Tree)

Scientific Name: Tamarindus indica
Common Names: Tamarind, Tamarindo, Indian Date, Tamarijn
Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
Origin: Believed to be native to tropical Africa, but long naturalized in South Asia and the Caribbean
Status in the Virgin Islands: Introduced and naturalized; commonly found in older settlements, roadsides, and farms

🌳 Tree Characteristics

  • Height: Typically 12–18 meters (40–60 feet); can grow taller in ideal conditions
  • Crown: Broad, dense, and spreading canopy; attractive, feathery foliage
  • Leaves: Even-pinnate compound leaves with many small, oblong leaflets; sensitive to moisture and light
  • Flowers: Small, pale yellow with reddish streaks; borne in loose clusters
  • Fruit: Long, curved pods (10–20 cm), brown and brittle when mature, containing sticky, dark brown pulp surrounding hard seeds

📆 Phenological Markers

Spring (March–May)

  • Leaf Renewal: Some older leaves fall, and new leaf flush begins; canopy thickens noticeably
  • Flower Buds: Formation of flower buds begins in late spring in favorable conditions

Summer (June–August)

  • Flowering: Main blooming period in early to mid-summer; pale yellow flowers with pink or red veins attract pollinators
  • Pollination: Bees and other insects visit actively; successful pollination leads to pod formation
  • Canopy: Lush and full; excellent shade provider during peak heat

Fall (September–November)

  • Fruit Development: Green, fleshy pods mature gradually, turning brown and brittle as they dry
  • Fruit Maturation: By late fall, pods are ready for harvest or natural drop
  • Leaf Aging: Some leaf yellowing and drop may begin as the dry season approaches

Winter (December–February)

  • Fruit Drop: Mature pods fall or are harvested; dry, brittle shells break open easily
  • Dry Season Response: In arid conditions, partial defoliation may occur
  • Rest Phase: Minimal growth activity; tree remains largely evergreen if moisture is sufficient

👁️ Observation Tips

  • Leaflets: Close at night or during dry stress (a form of nyctinasty)
  • Pods: Look for brown, curved pods hanging singly or in small clusters; immature pods are green and smooth
  • Flowers: Small but colorful; best seen up close or in early morning light
  • Smell: Crushed leaves and broken pods emit a mild tangy scent

🌿 Ecological and Cultural Notes

  • Ecological Role:
    • Provides deep shade and drought resilience
    • Nectar source for pollinators
    • Long-lived and wind-resistant in mature form
  • Cultural Uses:
    • Fruit pulp is widely used in Caribbean, Indian, and African cuisines for sauces, drinks, and candies
    • Medicinal applications include digestive tonics and fever treatments
    • Tamarind wood is durable and used in woodworking

⚠️ Conservation Notes

  • Invasive Risk: Generally low, but self-seeds readily in favorable environments
  • Protection: Common in cultivation, but older trees may be lost to development or drought stress
  • Suggested Action: Document and protect legacy specimens on estates, roadways, and public gardens
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