Fabaceae
Wild Tamarind: Full Sun Plant
Cojoba arborea
A fast-growing tree for tropical climates that only reaches its full potential when planted in the ground. It requires full sun, consistently moist soil, and warmth without frost. Due to the large number of falling pods and seeds, it should not be planted directly over paths or driveways, as they can become slippery.
Every 7 days
Direct sun
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Wild Tamarind?
Wild Tamarind (Cojoba arborea) is a medium-care plant from the Fabaceae family. Cojoba arborea is an evergreen tree in the legume family (Fabaceae). Native to the humid tropical forests of southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean down to Ecuador and Bolivia, it grows from lowlands up to about 1,200 m in elevation, often along streams and on moist limestone. In forest...
Wild Tamarind grows up to 40.0m, watering every 7 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Wild Tamarind is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Wild Tamarind?
TLDR: Wild Tamarind needs Direct sun, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Wild Tamarind?
Water moderately and keep the soil consistently moist, especially for young trees and during dry spells. The species tolerates moist soils well; in nature, it often grows near streams. Water deeply about once a week if there is no rainfall.
How Much Light Does Wild Tamarind Need?
Full sun. In the forest, the tree grows slimmer and taller as it competes with other trees for light; when free-standing, it forms a low, wide crown.
What Is the Best Soil for Wild Tamarind?
Grows on clayey or sandy alluvial soils and on moist limestone soil. It is important that the soil retains moisture without being permanently waterlogged.
What Pot Should You Use for Wild Tamarind?
Only suitable for initial cultivation: grow seedlings in deep nursery pots with drainage holes and transplant early, as the tree grows very large.
What Is Wild Tamarind and Where Does It Come From?
Cojoba arborea is an evergreen tree in the legume family (Fabaceae). Native to the humid tropical forests of southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean down to Ecuador and Bolivia, it grows from lowlands up to about 1,200 m in elevation, often along streams and on moist limestone. In forest settings, it can exceed 40 m in height and sometimes develops buttress roots, while in open areas it usually stays under 20 m and develops a wide, spreading canopy. The bipinnate leaves consist of numerous small leaflets, giving it a fine, fern-like appearance. The flowers are arranged in spherical, greenish-white heads measuring 3 to 3.5 cm. These are followed by striking, bright red pods up to 12 cm long, which are constricted between the seeds and split open to reveal hanging black seeds. Birds, especially parrots, disperse the seeds. The dark red heartwood is hard, durable, and traded as 'Bahama sabicu' for furniture and flooring.
How to Propagate Wild Tamarind?
Sowing
The seeds do not tolerate drying out and quickly lose their viability, so always sow them fresh. After soaking, 90 to 95 percent will germinate. Deeply buried seeds germinate poorly.
- 1 Collect ripe red pods and remove the black seeds immediately.
- 2 Soak the seeds in water for approximately 24 hours.
- 3 Place flat on moist substrate and cover only lightly; do not bury deeply.
- 4 Keep warm and consistently moist; roots appear after 2 to 3 days.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Wild Tamarind Grow?
TLDR: Wild Tamarind can reach up to 40.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
40.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
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Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
