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Tamarindus indica, Tamarind

Tamarind is a tropical tree planted in south Florida and in other warm climates for its delightful shade and soft texture. Although the tree has a tendency to produce multiple trunks with included bark wedged between them, this problem can be overcome with regular pruning when the tree is young. Space branches along a central trunk and keep them smaller than about half the size of the trunk with thinning or proper heading cuts. Allow plenty of soil space for root expansion since trees can grow quite large. It is best to plant the tree at least three feet from sidewalks and curbs so roots develop properly. Tamarind tolerates alkaline soil well and is adapted to all regions within its hardiness range.