The tamarind, Tamarindus indica, a medium-size tree, occurs wild in the tropics and is widespread throughout Africa. It is probably native to Africa as well as India. Now widely naturalized, it is cultivated throughout the tropics as an ornamental tree and for its fruits. Rough brown pods up to four-and-a-half inches long contain an edible, sour, dark brown pulp with three to four flattened, shiny brown seeds.
The tart pulp, rich in vitamin C, is eaten fresh and is an ingredient in chutneys, curries and cooling drinks.
Tamarind is one of the many trees having some ritual value to Hindus.
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