Manila Tamarind

Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Beth

pith-eh-seell-LOE-bee-um    dull-SE

Mimosaceae (Legumes)

Key to Pithecellobium

Explanation of name: Pithecellobium means “monkey earring,” referring to the contorted pods of some of the species (HAM). Dulce means sweet or tender.

Natural range: Tropical America (ISE)

Recognition: Ascending shrub or small tree. Leaves 4-foliate with elliptic leaflets, 3/4"-1-1/2" long. Flowers greenish or whitish yellow, mimosoid. Fruit oblong legume, 3"-4" long (ISE, WA1)

Landscape uses: Specimen tree, shade tree (BR1)