Velvet tamarind

Velvet Tamarind (Dialium guineense), also known as Awin in Yoruba, Icheku in Igbo and Tsamiyar kurm in Hausa, is a tropical fruit tree species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, including Nigeria, Senegal, and Sudan. The fruit is known for its velvet shell and sweet-sour taste, hence the name Velvet Tamarind.

Description

The Velvet Tamarind tree grows up to 30 meters in height. The bark is greyish and rough. The leaves are compound, with 5-6 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant. The fruit is a small, round, black pod with a velvety surface, containing one to four seeds. The pulp surrounding the seeds is sweet-sour and is eaten fresh or used in the preparation of drinks and jams.

Cultivation

Velvet Tamarind is a tropical species and prefers a hot, humid climate. It is a hardy tree and can tolerate poor soil conditions. It is propagated by seeds, which are sown in nursery beds and transplanted when they reach a suitable size. The tree starts bearing fruit after 5-6 years.

Uses

The fruit pulp of Velvet Tamarind is consumed fresh and is also used in the preparation of drinks, jams, and desserts. The seeds are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments, including cough, diarrhea, and fever. The wood of the tree is hard and durable and is used for making furniture and in construction.

Nutritional Value

Velvet Tamarind is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron. It also contains dietary fiber and antioxidants, which are beneficial for health.

Conservation Status

The Velvet Tamarind is not currently listed as a threatened species. However, due to habitat loss and overexploitation, its population is declining in some regions.

See Also

• Tamarind
• Fabaceae
• Tropical fruit