Lysiloma latisiliquum aka Tsalam

Lysiloma latisiliquum is a tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. Its common names include false tamarind and wild tamarind. It grows wild from southern Mexico to Guatemala, and from Florida to Cuba. It lives in seasonally dry tropical regions. Habitats include woodland, scrub, and lake shores, often on limestone. Garden trees reach 30–60 feet [9.1–18.3 metres] tall. Their crowns spread 30–50 feet [9.1–15.2 metres] wide. Useful Tropical Plants gives a broader height range of 13–66 feet [4–20 metres].

The short trunk often splits into several main stems. Long, arching branches form a broad crown that opens with age. Young bark is smooth and pale gray to white. Older bark turns brown and splits into flat scales. The tree has no thorns, and new twigs are green. Its alternate, bipinnate leaves give the crown a fine texture. Small leaflets are dark green above and paler beneath. New leaves emerge red, contrasting with the older green growth. UF/IFAS calls the tree evergreen; Useful Tropical Plants describes it as deciduous.

Small white flowers form round heads from spring into summer. They have a mild scent but make little display. Insects pollinate the flowers. Flat, dry pods follow, often with a slight twist. They measure 0.25–0.67 feet [0.08–0.20 metres] long. Green pods turn brown, then shed their outer surface, exposing tan beneath. Brown seeds disperse in fall. UF/IFAS reports that the fruit does not draw wildlife. Leaves and pods cause little litter trouble.

Grow this tree in full sun or partial shade. It accepts clay, sand, or loam, including acid and alkaline soils. The soil must drain well. It withstands drought and salt spray but suffers in freezing weather. UF/IFAS lists USDA zones 10b–11. Its broad crown suits shade, park, street, and seaside planting. Young trees need pruning to build a sound branch frame. Low branches can block paths or roads. Large competing stems may trap bark and weaken with age. Roots seldom cause trouble. Serious pest and disease problems are few, though stem galls and rust can occur.

People grow this tree in Mesoamerican agroforestry systems. They also harvest its hard, heavy wood for building and boats. Useful Tropical Plants records traditional medicinal uses for the tannin-rich plant. These include applying powdered roasted leaves to sores and wounds. Such records do not establish that treatments work or are safe. The source lists no known food uses or hazards. That does not confirm safety for people or pets.