Discover Nature at JCU Plants NQ Weeds by common name Pithecellobium dulce ‘variegated’

Pithecellobium dulce ‘variegated’

(Variegated Madras Thorn, Manila Tamarind)

FAMILY

Mimosaceae / Fabaceae

Species

Pithecellobium dulce

Common names

Variegated Madras Thorn, Manila Tamarind

Flower colour; life form

Cream; tree

Distinguishing features

This hardy ornamental tree, a native of Central America, should not be grown near bushland and any seedlings should be regularly removed before they have a chance to form a thicket. The leaves of the variegated variety have attractive green and white leaflets with a mix of pink. Flowers are in heads, cream. Pods are curved, green to red on the outside with a white edible pulp on the inside surrounding the shiny black seeds. These seeds germinate readily.

Scan of herbarium specimen of Pithecellobium