Tamarind Tree Tamarindus indica

Tamarind Tree

Tamarindus indica

Description

The Tamarind is one of the most widely grown and admired tropical fruit trees in the world, valued for both its delicious fruit and beautiful ornamental appearance.

A slow-growing but extremely long-lived tree, Tamarind develops a large spreading canopy with graceful branches and attractive fine foliage, making it an excellent shade tree for larger gardens and food forests. Mature trees are highly wind resistant and can live for generations.

The pod-like fruit contains a sticky brown pulp with a rich sweet-sour flavour that is widely used throughout Asian, Indian, African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Tamarind is famous for adding the distinctive tangy flavour and deep colour to curries, sauces, chutneys and drinks.

The young leaves are also edible and commonly used fresh in salads, curries and chutneys.

Taste & Uses

Tamarind has a unique sweet, tangy and slightly fruity flavour that blends beautifully with spicy dishes.

The pulp is commonly used in:

• Curries
• Chutneys
• Sauces
• Stir fries
• Marinades
• Drinks and syrups
• Candies and desserts

Traditionally the pulp is soaked in water and strained before use, with the liquid added to cooking. Tamarind extract can also be used as a convenient alternative.

Young leaves are edible and can be added to salads, curries and chutneys.

Care Information

• Tropical to subtropical fruit tree
• Self-pollinating
• Prefers full sun
• Likes well-drained soil
• Moderate watering once established
• Can tolerate short dry periods
• Sometimes handles light frost once mature
• Slow growing when young but becomes a very large long-lived tree

Tamarind is ideal for larger gardens, food forests and tropical landscapes.

Plant Information

• Climate: Tropical, Subtropical
• Growth Habit: Large ornamental shade tree
• Max Height: 10m+
• Pollination: Self-pollinating
• Frost Tolerance: Sometimes
• Water Requirements: Moderate watering
• Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
• Preferred pH: Neutral soil (6.6–7.3 pH)
• Sun Requirements: Full sun

Fruiting Season

October, November, December, January, February, March & April

Time to Fruit

Seedling trees generally fruit in approximately 5+ years depending on climate and growing conditions.

Shipping Information

All plants are posted every Monday via Australia Post Express Post.

If Monday falls on a public holiday, orders will be sent Tuesday or the following Monday depending on destination and weather conditions.

We carefully pack all plants to help ensure they arrive healthy and happy ready for their new home.

Plant Sizes: 30–50mm tube