Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is an economically
important tree, found in many countries in Asia, Africa
and South America. The tree can grow to a maximum
height of 25 m and a crown diameter of 12 m. It is ideal
for drier-arid regions, especially in areas prone to
prolonged drought. Tamarind can tolerate five-six
months of drought conditions; hence tamarind crop can
grow in any type of climate. Tamarind is a tree that is
easy to cultivate and requires minimum care. It is
generally free of serious pests and diseases, and has a life
span of 80-200 years and can yield 150-500 kg of pods
per healthy tree/year at 20 years of age. During each
season, the tree bears curved fruit pods in abundance
covering all over its branches. Each pod has hard outer
shell encasing deep brown soft pulp enveloping around
two-ten hard dark-brown seeds. Its pulp and seeds held
together by extensive fiber network.