The Botanical name of this tree is Pithecellobium dulce. It originated from Mexico, then went to America, Central Asia and then to India. Although these trees have been seen all along the highways in India, no one knew about its culinary use. It resembles tamarind and it is widely called as Manila Tamarind. Its Tamil name is 'Kodukka Puli', the word derived its meaning from 'Kodi-kai puli' or vined tamarind. It is commonly called as 'Madras Thorn' or 'Monkey Pod' in English and 'Jungle Jilebi'/ 'Vilayati Imli' in Hindi, In telugu it is called 'Seema Chintakayalu' in tamil they also call it 'Kona Puliyankai' In tamil, since the pods coil so the name 'Twisted Tamarind'.It is generally eaten from road side vendors, and only recently did I see a “vandi “ full of Kodukapuli being sold in the Triplicane and North Madras areas and can you believe it what used to be lying on the streets or on the trees to be eaten freely was being sold at Rs 40 for half a kilo. Considered as intruding weed, if it grows in the residential area, the pod/pulp is widely used in the tanning industry.