Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.): A review on a multipurpose tree with promising future in the Sudan

Abstract

Among the 3,000 species of the edible fruits in the tropics about 10% are more or less regularly cultivated as crop plants. This leaves more than 90% potentially useful, however, and may be gathered or cultivated to a limited extent for use as food or income source. One of these species is tamarind, Tamarindus indica L., an evergreen legume, native to the dry savannah of tropical Africa and growing wild throughout the Sudan. The much-appreciated qualities of the fruit and the adaptability of the tree to different soils and climates widened its distribution all over the tropics and subtropics. Despite this, very little is known about the tree phenology, floral biology, husbandry or genetic diversity. In this article we have aimed to bring out detailed information on various aspects of its origin, botany, ecology, propagation and cultivation, genetic improvement and main uses. In addition we reviewed the horticultural characteristics of tamarind and assessed its likely potential for further development in the Sudan.