| Description |
Tamarind is a large, slow-growing tree in the Fabaceae (Legume) family that is native to tropical Africa. The tree produces hanging pod-like fruit that contains an edible, sour and sweet pulp. Pods are 12-15cm long and covered in a hard brown shell. Each pod contains 6-12 seeds with juicy, acidic, paste-like flesh that can be eaten fresh or used in drinks, sauces, and chutney. Fruit is mature when the flesh is brown or reddish brown and becomes sweeter as it ripens. Trees have an irregular crown, dense, bright green, feathery foliage, and small red and yellow flowers. Tamarind is drought-resistant, and grows best where temperatures are between 20-35° C. Trees need dry weather when the fruit is developing. Grafted trees will produce fruit in 3-4 years, or 7-10 years if started from seed. Trees can live for over 200 years.
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