Tamarindus indica L., Sp. Pl. 1: 34. (1753)

Synonyms
Tamarindus occidentalis Gaertn.
Tamarindus officinalis Hook.
Tamarindus umbrosa Salisb.

Description
Understorey tree up to 18 m tall and 77 cm dbh. Stipules? Leaves alternate, compound, leaflets opposite, penni-veined, glabrous. Flowers ca. 20 mm diameter, white-yellow-purplish, placed in small racemes. Fruits ca. 85 mm long, yellow-brownish, pods filled with pulp.

Ecology
In Asia usually planted and cultivated.

Uses
The wood is used for indoor construction and furniture. The trees are usually cultivated for the fruits, which contain a tasty edible pulp. The pulp is also used to flavour food.

Distribution
Pantropical but originally from eastern Africa and Madagascar. In Borneo collected in Sarawak, Sabah and East-Kalimantan.

Local names
Borneo: Asam java, Asam kamal.