Dominica Botanic Gardens Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies |
© Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences, Dec. 2004 | Home Page | Comments & Suggestions |Site Coordinator | Gardens Curator |
Selected Trees and Shrubs: Dialium ovoideum; Common name: Velvet Tamarind; Origin: Sri Lanka |
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Joan Etienne Plant Family: Belongs to the Fabaceae family, which includes Bois Kwaib (Poitea carinalis) and Flame of the Forest (Butea frondosa). Description:Two trees in ornamental section, one in economic section; large, spreading tree; stem divides low down into several major branches; leaves pinnately compound; fruit, produced in large clusters, are small, ovate pods, about 1.5 cm long (0.6 in), covered with a slight, black, velvet-like down, have thin, brittle shell which easily cracked between fingers, are single-seeded, with agreeably tasting, sweet, slightly acid, light brown or tan, powdery pulp; in Dominica, fruiting in first half of year; tree reportedly similar to D. guineense but distinguished by its smaller leaves. Natural Habitat: Thrives in semi-dry tropical evergreen and deciduous forests. Origin and Distribution: Native to Sri Lanka with varied distribution in SE Asia. Uses: Wood a dark red color, much sought after in native habitat, used for building and furniture; fruits edible with agreeably tasting, sweet, slightly acid, powdery pulp, used fresh or in a drink; leaves used for fodder.
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© Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences, Dec. 2004 | Home Page | Comments & Suggestions |Site Coordinator | Gardens Curator |