Tamarindus indica L.

Tamarindus indica L.

Botanical Details:
• Scientific Name: Tamarindus indica
• Family: Leguminosae (now Fabaceae)

Sub Family: Cæsalpinoideae

• Genus: Tamarindus
• Species: indica
Common Names:
• English: Tamarind
• Malayalam: Puli (പുളി)
• Tamil: Puli (புளி)
• Hindi: Imli (इमली)
Synonyms:
• Tamarindus orientalis (a name used historically)
• Tamarindus indica var. acida
• Ceratonia indica (an older synonym)
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Botanical Description:
• Habit: Tamarindus indica is a large, evergreen or deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters (98 feet) in height, though it is usually around 10–20 meters tall.
• Leaves: It has compound, pinnate leaves with 10-20 pairs of leaflets. The leaves are small, elliptical, and bright green.
• Flowers: The flowers are small, yellowish to reddish in color, with five petals. They are typically arranged in axillary clusters.
• Fruits: The fruit is a pod that is 10-15 cm long, containing a soft, tangy pulp and several hard seeds. The pulp is the edible part, and the pods turn brown when ripe.
• Roots: Tamarind trees have a deep root system that allows them to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates.
Uses:
• Culinary: Tamarind is widely used for its sour and tangy flavor, often in sauces, chutneys, curries, and beverages. The pulp of the fruit is a key ingredient in dishes like tamarind rice, sambars, and rasams. It’s also used in making tamarind paste for cooking.
• Medicinal: Tamarind has a variety of medicinal uses. The pulp is believed to be a natural laxative and is used to treat constipation. It is also used to manage digestive issues, like indigestion and acid reflux. The leaves and bark have been traditionally used in the treatment of fever, inflammation, and to reduce pain.
• Traditional Medicine: The seeds and pulp have been used for a variety of health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, liver conditions, and skin ailments.
• Industrial Uses: Tamarind wood is hard and used for making furniture, tools, and in construction. The tree is also valued for its shade in hot climates.
• Beverages: Tamarind is used to make a variety of refreshing drinks, such as tamarind juice and tamarind concentrate, which are enjoyed especially in tropical countries.
• Cosmetic: The pulp is sometimes used in face masks and scrubs due to its natural exfoliating properties.