Pithecolobium duke: A Tree of Commercial Importance

Abstract

P. dulce (Roxb.) Bentham, a middle-sized, glabrous, evergreen tree of family Leguminosae (Sub-family: Mimosoideae), thrives in regions with moderate to heavy rainfall in tropical countries. The tree commonly known as “Manila tamarind” bears flowers during February-April in the Indo-Gangetic plains. The flowers are so light that with a gust of wind the tree may be bereft of them. In May-June the tree is laden with coiled purple legumes. A mature tree on an average yields 3-4 kg fruits in one season. The ripe legume (Fig. 1) weighing 35 g, yields 6-8 black seeds (av. wt. 110 mg).