Tamarind

Description:

Tree to 80 feet with alternate, pinnate leaves. 10 - 18 pairs of very regular leaflets, each 1 in. long, with parallel edges. Dark red buds open to yellow, legume flowers about 1 in. across. Lumpy round pods, an inch or more in diameter, by 2-6 in. long follow. Irregularly shaped, cinnamon brown.

Habitat:

This tree had naturalized along a path slightly above the shoreline.

Notes:

Tamarid was brought to the Caribbean in the 1600's. It us grown fir the fruit and tight grained wood. The acud pulp of the fruit can be eaten raw, but more commonly is made into a beverage or used in chutneys, curries, candy, and preserves.