Pebble Tamarind 80 Seeds Pack – Dialium ovoideum – Velvet Tamarind

Pebble tamarind, known scientifically as Dialium ovoideum, is a lesser-known tropical fruit that offers a unique blend of flavors and numerous health benefits. This small, hardy tree produces fruits valued both for their culinary uses and nutritional content.

Botanical Information

• Scientific Name: Dialium ovoideum
• Common Names: Pebble Tamarind, Velvet Tamarind, Black Velvet Tamarind
• Family: Fabaceae

Plant Characteristics

• Growth Habit: Pebble tamarind is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, reaching heights of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters), with a spreading canopy and smooth, grayish bark.
• Leaves: The tree features pinnate leaves with small, glossy, bright green leaflets, forming dense, attractive foliage.
• Flowers: It produces small, yellow to pale green flowers in clusters, which are fragrant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Fruit: The fruit is small, round to oval, with a hard, pebble-like shell. Inside, it contains a sticky, sweet-sour dark brown to black pulp surrounding a single seed.

Growing Conditions

• Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, suited to USDA zones 10-12, and prefers warm, humid conditions with some drought tolerance.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun (6-8 hours per day) for optimal growth and fruit production.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy loam soils, adaptable to various soil types with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5).
• Water: Moderate watering is needed, particularly during dry periods. Once established, the tree is relatively drought-tolerant.

Planting and Care

• Propagation: Grown from seeds or cuttings. Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting to improve germination, and take cuttings from healthy trees.
• Spacing: Trees should be spaced 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) apart for adequate air circulation.
• Pruning: Regular pruning for shape and removal of dead or diseased wood improves growth and air circulation.
• Fertilization: An annual application of balanced fertilizer or compost supports growth and fruit production, with more frequent feeding during the growing season.

Benefits and Uses

• Culinary Uses: The pulp is eaten fresh or used in sauces, chutneys, and beverages, or dried for cooking.
• Nutritional Value: Pebble tamarind is rich in vitamins (particularly C and B vitamins), minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium, and dietary fiber, with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
• Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, it is used for digestive issues, respiratory problems, and fever. Known for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
• Other Uses: The wood is valued for fuel and timber, while the tree’s foliage and flowers add ornamental value in gardens and landscapes.

Cautions

• Pests and Diseases: Though relatively pest-resistant, it can face aphids, scale insects, and fruit borers, along with susceptibility to some fungal diseases.
• Harvesting: The fruit’s hard shell requires care when opening to access the pulp safely.

Pebble tamarind (Dialium ovoideum) is a unique and nutritious tropical fruit tree that thrives in warm climates. With proper care, it can be a rewarding addition to tropical and subtropical gardens, offering a delightful sweet-sour flavor and numerous health benefits.