Tamarindus

views updated

Tamarindus (tamarind; family Leguminosae, subfamily Caesalpinoideae) A genus of 1 species, T. indica, which is native to tropical Africa and western Asia, and is now widely cultivated. It is a big, deciduous tree. The leaves are pinnate. The pod is dehiscent, with several seeds set in a pulp which is much valued as a foodstuff and enters world commerce as a basis for sauces.