A girl bites Tamarindus indica pulp while holding opened brown fruit pods

Tamarindus indica (Tamarind)

Name: Tamarindus indica (Tamarind)
Address: CO

Native to Comoros and Madagascar, this evergreen tree in the pea family can reach about 100 feet tall. Its spreading crown bears compound leaves with small paired leaflets that close at night. Yellow or cream flowers have red veins, three prominent petals, and two tiny reduced petals. Brown pods contain sticky, sweet-tart pulp eaten fresh or used in drinks, chutneys, curries, and sauces. Tender shoots and flowers are also eaten, and the wood is used for furniture. It has naturalized in Florida and is invasive in northern Queensland, Australia. Photographed in the department of Atlántico, Colombia.

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Yellow Tamarindus indica flowers with red-veined petals and pale curved stamens hang in front of rough bark

Red Tamarindus indica buds accompany cream flowers with red-veined petals and curved green stamens

Cream and yellow Tamarindus indica flowers and red buds hang among rows of paired green leaflets

An opened Tamarindus indica pod exposes reddish brown pulp beside intact tan pods on woven fabric

Curved tan Tamarindus indica pods hang from woody branches among paired green leaflets