Tamarind Tree

The tamarind is an evergreen shade tree with dense, feathery, blue-green leaves that give the crown a light, airy look. Its brown, velvety pods hold the sweet-sour pulp used in tamarind drinks, chutneys and curries.

Why a tamarind?

• Edible pods with sweet-sour pulp.
• Evergreen shade all year.
• Highly drought tolerant once established.
• Strong, wind-resistant branches that don't break easily.
• Adapts to sandy, clay and alkaline soils, as long as they drain well.

Where to plant it

Large gardens, farms, rest houses and open courtyards, as a shade or specimen tree. It grows at a moderate pace into a big tree – often 12 m or more over many years – so give it room. Ripe pods can be messy on paving, so keep it away from driveways and patios.

Care in the Saudi climate

• Light: full, direct sun.
• Water: regular watering until established; after that it's highly drought tolerant.
• Soil: any well-drained soil, including alkaline; it grows best in fertile, sandy soil.
• Salt: low to moderate salt tolerance – don't plant it right by the beach.
• Pruning: prune while young to space the main branches along one central trunk.
• Cold: frost-tender; protect young trees on the coldest Riyadh nights.

Sizes

• 1.0–1.5 m: a young tree that grows in place.
• 2.5–3.0 m: a bigger tree for quicker shade.

Available with or without planting service.