Camachile (Sweet Tamarind)

Description:

Family of Leguminae, leaves are 2 pinnate, 4-8 cm long and the pods are like long, twisted pea pods. When the pod is opened, the white pulp is like soft cotton and is sweet. Each seed is surrounded by this pulp that feels like dry marshmallow in the mouth.

Habitat:

It grows all over the Philippines Islands. The tree thrives in forests and mountainous regions. They are found along rice fields, provincial highways and interior hinterlands.

Notes:

It is deciduous. It grows to a height of more than 15 meters. Young branches are spiny but the bark becomes non-spiny as it grows thicker and older. The dark oval seeds sprout after less than a week on moist soil.