Other pod trees
Many legume trees have pods; tamarind pods have brittle shells and sticky pulp.
Use the botanical sourceCulinary reference
Tamarind.
Tamarindus indica
Also found as Indian date
A large tropical tree with feathery leaves and brown pods holding sweet-sour sticky pulp.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Pulp is mildly laxative in large amounts.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 2,910
- People who recorded it
- 1,962
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Dec–Jan, Apr–Jul
- Records span
- 1992–2026
| January | 227 |
|---|---|
| February | 162 |
| March | 174 |
| April | 440 |
| May | 292 |
| June | 209 |
| July | 200 |
| August | 125 |
| September | 82 |
| October | 137 |
| November | 185 |
| December | 192 |
| January | 26 |
|---|---|
| February | 33 |
| March | 27 |
| April | 48 |
| May | 40 |
| June | 47 |
| July | 46 |
| August | 45 |
| September | 22 |
| October | 39 |
| November | 59 |
| December | 53 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Evergreen tree with feathery pinnate leaves of many small leaflets.
- 02
Pale yellow flowers streaked red.
- 03
Curved brown pods with brittle shells and sticky brown pulp around seeds.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native to tropical Africa; cultivated across tropical Asia and the Americas.
Watch the plant stage
Pods ripen in the dry season.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Fruit pulp · Young leaf
Eat pulp raw or use in drinks, sauces and chutneys. Young leaves and flowers are cooked.
Care for the patch
Collect fallen pods and leave trees unharmed.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Tamarindus indicaBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Tamarindus indicaTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction