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Lysiloma latisiliquum, commonly known as Wild Tamarind, is a medium to large deciduous tree typically growing 25-65 feet (8-20 m) tall.
Growth Form
Straight trunk
Broad, spreading crown
Light, airy canopy
Fast to moderate growth rate
Bark
Grayish - white
Smooth when young
Peels in thin, papery strips with age
Attractive mottled appearance
Leaves
Bi-pinnately compound (feathery), alternately arranged
Numerous small leaflets (10-35)
Soft texture
Light to medium green
The fine-textured foliage gives the tree a delicate look despite its size.
Flowers
Small, creamy-white
Produced in rounded puff-like clusters
Fragrant
Attractive to bees
Fruit
Flat, broad seed pods
Brown when mature
Contain several hard seeds
The species name latisiliquum refers to its wide pods.
Habitat
Lysiloma latisiliquum grows in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formations- Forest/Shrublands (coppice), Pine Woodlands, as well as in Human Altered environments (yards and gardens).
Distribution
Lysiloma latisiliquum occurs throughout the entire Lucayan Archipelago as well as southern Florida, Central America, and the Caribbean region.
Ecological Importance
Flowers support pollinators
Provides shade and habitat
Seeds dispersed by gravity and wildlife
Wild Tamarind is a foundational canopy species in Bahamian coppice forests.
Cultural Notes
Wood used historically for fuel and small construction
Often planted as a shade tree
Despite the name, it does not produce edible tamarind pods: it is a native legume tree.
Lysiloma latisiliquum is sought after by wood carvers for its distinctive wood grain and has also been used by boat builders. In southern Florida Lysiloma latisiliquum is used in the horticultural industry