Manila Tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Pithecellobium dulce is a flowering species native to Mexico, Central America, and northern part of South America. It grows about 10 - 15 m in height with a spreading, rounded crown, spiny branches, and short, multiple boles. The leaves are bipinnate. The flowers are fragrant, greenish-white, and form into round dense heads.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet, pulpy flesh that surrounds the seed. — The pods contain a sweet, pulpy flesh that surrounds the seed.; This flesh can be eaten raw, boiled or made into a refreshing beverage that is suggestive of lemonade.; The pods are 10cm long by 1.5cm wide.; When mature, the pods split open at the lower suture exposing the edible pulp.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry, brushy or thinly forested plains or hillsides, often in coastal thickets, at elevations from sea level to 500 metres. (Zone 10)