Tamarind Manila

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Tamarind Manila (lat. Pithecellobium dulce) - a fruit crop, representing a large family of Legumes. This plant should not be confused with Indian tamarind - although it is no less popular, Indian tamarind belongs to a completely different genus.

Description

Manila tamarind is a relatively small evergreen tree. Its height can reach eight meters, however, in most cases it still does not exceed the mark of five meters. The branches of the trees are covered with very sharp thorns - if accidentally scratched with them, irritation can easily appear. And the length of the oval-oblong leaves of the Manila tamarind ranges from two to four centimeters.

The pale green flowers of the Manila tamarind, the length of which can reach up to twelve centimeters, are very fragrant, and you can admire the flowering of this plant from the end of winter to the beginning of spring.

Manila tamarind fruits are delicate beans with delicious edible pulp, inside of which are black seeds. Typically, these seeds are spread by birds eating sweet fruits. Externally, the beans look like pods, covered with a thick reddish-greenish peel. After drying, this rind darkens and turns into unremarkable brown tones. And the average length of the beans is twelve centimeters.

Where grows

The natural area of distribution of the Manila tamarind is the states located in the northern part of South and Central America. This crop is very actively grown in Hawaii, in a number of countries in Southeast Asia, in Florida, as well as in Guam and on some islands of the Caribbean archipelago. And on the territory of Russia, it is practically unknown.

Application

The pulp of these fruits is quite sweet, so many people like to eat them fresh. And it will also be an excellent addition to a wide variety of soft drinks.

The tannin-rich bark of the plant boasts excellent astringent properties, which in turn makes it an indispensable aid for diarrhea. And tannins are also endowed with the ability to suppress putrefactive processes occurring in the gastrointestinal tract, normalize the intestinal microflora and either prevent dysbiosis or get rid of it.

For a long time, the local population has also used a decoction of the leaves - as a means to get rid of unwanted pregnancy. And the leaves themselves are often applied to wounds and lesions on the skin in order to disinfect them and stop bleeding.

Contraindications

There is only one contraindication to the use of Manila tamarind - it is an individual intolerance.

Growing and caring

The strong root system of the Manila tamarind makes it a very drought tolerant plant. In addition, he can easily get water even from a very impressive depth, so sometimes thickets of this plant can be found at a distance of three hundred kilometers from any water bodies. This quality is especially appreciated in landscaping, because it allows you to plant this crop on the streets of large metropolitan areas located in extremely arid areas. And the spreading crowns of these magnificent trees create a wonderful shade in which tired townspeople can always hide from the scorching sun. However, quite often Manila tamarind can be seen in a wide variety of hedges.

It is impossible not to mention that this culture is very thermophilic, and if the thermometer reaches minus one degree, it will not be able to escape death.