Common Name: Wild Tamarind

General Information

Lysiloma latisiliquum is a moderately fast growing, deciduous tree with an open, spreading crown that can reach a height of 4 - 20 metres[, ]. It has a short bole that can be 60 - 90cm in diameter, exceptionally to 120cm, topped with long, somewhat arching branches to form an umbrella-like silhouette. The plant has a tendency to form more than one trunk[, , ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and for its wood. It is often cultivated in agroforestry systems in Mesoamerica[]. Developing into a more open tree with age, Wild Tamarind makes an ideal shade, park, or seaside planting and is commonly used as a street tree in Forida.[, ]

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Central America - Belize, Guatemala, southeastern Mexico the Caribbean and southern Florida.

Habitat

Along the shores of lakes at elevations below 300 metres in Guatemala[]. Hammock, coppice and scrub woodland, mostly on limestone[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are intolerant of frost[].
Succeeds in full sun or partial shade[]. It is found in the wild predominantly on coastal dunes and limestone soils, though it can grow in most soil types, so long as they are well-drained[, ]. Succeeds in saline soils and is tolerant of salt-laden winds[]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is rich in tannins and is astringent. The roasted leaves are ground into a powder and applied topically to sores and wounds, the powder being re-applied at intervals until the area is healed[].

The plant (part not specified) is also used in the treatment of asthma, tuberculosis, and for obstruction of the spleen[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is a vigorous pioneer species rapidly invading areas after fires or forest clearance. It can be used as a pioneer species for establishing suitable conditions for re-establishing native woodland or establishing a woodland garden[].
The plant is often used in agroforestry in the Caribbean and central America. It is a good source of food for bees, fixes atmospheric nitrogen, enriches the soil and is a good source of wood[].

Other Uses

A transparent, resinous material exudes from damaged stems[]. No uses are recorded.

The heartwood is a rich dark brown tinged with red; the sapwood pinkish-cream in colour. The wood is heavy, hard, not strong, tough, close-grained, compact, able to take a fine polish. It is somewhat used locally, Especially in boat and ship building, construction etc[, , , ].
We have no more specific information for the wood of this species, but the following is a general description of wood from trees in this genus:-
The lustrous brown heartwood has a coppery or purplish tinge, sometimes faintly striped; it is sharply demarcated from the thin layer of white sapwood. The texture is medium; the grain straight to roey; it is without distinctive odour or taste. The heartwood is rated as highly durable. The wood is reported to air-season slowly; kiln-dried boards were prone to surface and end checking. The wood is considered to be easy to work, it finishes smoothly, and takes a high natural polish. It is used for general construction, furniture making, wheel wright work, parquet flooring, interior trim, bobbins and shuttles, veneer, and knife handles[].

Propagation

Seed -

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