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.

References:
H.F. Macmillan. Tropical Planting and Gardening. Macmillan, London 1956
Asia Food. Velvet Tamarind. Asia Source, Asia Society, New York, NY 1999 www.asiasource.org