Pithecellobium dulce aka Manila Tamarind

Pithecellobium dulce is an evergreen tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. Its names include Manila tamarind, Madras thorn, and huamuchil. Its native range runs from Mexico to Guyana and Peru. It grows in tropical lands with a dry season. Wild plants grow on dry plains, hillsides, and coastal scrub. People grow it across the tropics for shade and food.

This fast-growing tree reaches about 33–49 feet [10–15 metres]. Reported heights range from 16–59 feet [5–18 metres]. Its broad crown can spread to 49 feet [15 metres]. The crown has a rounded or spreading shape. Trees often form several short trunks, though some have one. The branches bear spines, and the leaves are bipinnate. Fragrant, greenish-white flowers grow in tight, round heads. Bees pollinate the flowers.

The pods measure about four inches long and split when ripe. They expose black seeds wrapped in white, sweet flesh. People eat this flesh fresh or cooked, or make drinks. Ripe pods keep for only a few days after splitting. The seeds are also eaten, including in curries. They yield an oil used for food. Markets in South America sell both the fruit and seeds.

Give this tree full sun and soil that drains well. It grows in sand, loam, or clay, including poor soils. It accepts mildly acid through alkaline soils, including very alkaline ground. It also tolerates salty soil and drought. Dry or moist soil suits it, and it tolerates strong winds. This does not mean it suits sites exposed to sea winds. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 10–12. Seeds need no treatment before sowing and sprout in about two weeks. Trees can self-seed near fields and beneath mature crowns.

Gardeners use the tree for shade, hedges, and windbreaks. Its thorns help clipped hedges keep livestock out. It fixes nitrogen and helps restore poor or bare ground. Other uses include fodder, fuel, wood, dye, and tannin. Traditional medicine uses its leaves, bark, fruit pulp, and seeds. These uses do not establish that home treatments are safe. Reports include abortion risk from large doses of leaves. Bark substances can irritate eyes, and handling may cause skin reactions. The sharp spines also pose a handling risk.