Introductory Agroforestry

Tamarindus Indica

Botanical Name: Tamarindus indica L.

Common Name: Emli, Tamarind

Family : Leguminosae (Caesalpiniodeae)




Plate 18.1 Tamarindus indica L.

Description:

• It is a large evergreen tree attaining a height up to 15m
• Spreading crown 9 to 12m in diameter with numerous branches and twigs.
• The trunk is short, the lower branches are borne almost horizontal.
• Bark is moderately thick and dark grey with numerous longitudinal fissures and horizontal cracks.
• Two varieties has been identified: East Indian variety with long pods, 6-12 seeded; West Indian variety with shorter pods, 1-4 seeded
Distribution:

• One of the most common tree of Tropical India,
• It is believed to be indigenous to Tropical Africa probably introduced long back to India by Arabs.
• It is not tree of forest but is cultivated throughout country except Himalayan region and arid western zone.
Site factor:-

Climate:

• Temperature - Maximum 35°-46°C Minimum 0°-17.5°C
• Rainfall - 750-1900mm
• Altitude - up to 1000m
Soil:

• It is non-exacting type tree
• It tolerates slightly saline and alkaline soils
• Best growth is found on deep loamy or alluvial soils with adequate supply of moisture
Phenology:

• Leaf-fall - April-May
• Leaf renewal - March-April
• Flowering - April-June
• Fruiting - March-April
• Seed collection - March- April
• Seed weight - 1800-2000 seeds per Kg
• Germination per cent - 75%
Silvicultural characters:

• Strong light demander can’t grow under shade,
• Frost tender,
• Resistant to drought,
• Produce root suckers and coppice well
• Deep rooted and wind firm in nature
• Not fire hardy but considered best tree for planting along fire lines in Karnataka.