Manila Tamarind
Pithecellobium dulcefam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 8991 — Pithecellobium dulce
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IOverview
Overview
Manila Tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce) is a tree or shrub native to West Africa and Central America, found in countries such as Benin, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Togo, Belize, Colombia, El Salvador, and Guatemala. This member of the Fabaceae family thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and can grow up to 15 meters tall. Known for its edible fruit, seed, and seedpods, it is valued both as an ornamental plant and for its culinary uses. One distinctive feature of this tree is its ability to adapt to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils.
Quick answers
What is Manila Tamarind?
Manila Tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce) is a tree or shrub native to West Africa and Central America, found in countries such as Benin, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Togo, Belize, Colombia, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Manila Tamarind thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will produce better fruit with regular moisture. This tree grows to about 15 meters and can be propagated through seeds. Hardy in zones 10-12, it is native to regions like Benin, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Togo, Belize, Colombia, and El Salvador. Harvest the edible parts including fruits, seedpods, and seeds for use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Manila Tamarind for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic care for your Manila Tamarind.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting mix, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil; containers should be at least 15 liters (4 gallons) for young plants.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; provide partial shade if direct sun is too intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilize lightly in spring and summer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to shape young trees and remove dead branches; fruit can be harvested when ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeedSeedpod
Edible uses: Oil, Drink, Gum
Other uses:BiomassDyeFencingAnimal feedFire starterGumHedgerowoilWind breakerSoap makingSoil reclamationTanninLumberCoppiceNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 10 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 10 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 20 native· 10 introduced
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)BangladeshCambodiaIndia
Americas10 regions
native (9)BelizeColombiaEl SalvadorGuatemalaGuyanaHondurasNicaraguaPeruVenezuela
introduced (1)Bahamas
Africa6 regions
native (4)BeninCôte d'IvoireLiberiaTogo
introduced (2)Burkina FasoBurundi
Broader regions
native:Mexico Central, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southwest, Panamá
introduced:Brazil Southeast, Brazil Northeast, Borneo, Andaman Is.
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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