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Trees, Fruit Plants, Shrubs
- Family:
- Leguminosae or Fabaceae or Pea family
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I. Introduction
A. Botanical Information
- Scientific name: Pithecellobium dulce
- Family: Fabaceae
- Common names: Madras Thorn, Manila Tamarind, Sweet Inga, and Camachile
B. Origin and Distribution
- Native to Central and South America
- Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions across Asia
C. Characteristics
- Deciduous tree with a spreading crown
- Grows up to 15-20 meters in height
- Compound leaves with 2-4 pairs of leaflets
- Flowers: White or pale pink, fragrant
- Fruit: Pod-like, 10-15 cm long, with a sweet pulp
II. Plantation
A. Propagation
- Seed germination
- Cuttings
- Air layering
B. Soil Requirements
- Well-drained, loamy to sandy soil
- Tolerates a wide range of pH levels (5-8)
C. Planting Time
- Late spring to early summer
III. Growing
A. Sunlight Requirements
- Full sun to partial shade
B. Watering
- Moderate, allowing soil to dry between waterings
C. Fertilizing
- Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer during growing season
D. Pruning
- Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased branches
IV. Care
A. Pests and Diseases
- Monitor for aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars
- Watch for fungal and bacterial infections
B. Cold Hardiness
- Not cold-hardy; protect from frost and freezing temperatures
V. Benefits
A. Nutritional Value
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K
- Good source of minerals, such as calcium, iron, and potassium
B. Culinary Uses
- Sweet pulp consumed fresh or used in desserts and beverages
- Seeds can be roasted and eaten
C. Medicinal Uses
- Traditionally used to treat digestive issues, inflammation, and skin conditions
D. Ornamental Value
- Attractive landscape tree for tropical and subtropical gardens
E. Ecological Benefits
- Nitrogen-fixing species; improves soil fertility
- Provides habitat and food source for birds and other wildlife
