The Tamarindus indicus is novel plant in the leaf structure and pruning needs. Though this plant enjoy pruning and allows for a lot of dramatic curves due to it’s flexible branching.
We have a few of these plants in our garden and bonsai areas. Though one large plant has a substanitial pot and a more common soil composititon, the others I beleive are more bonsai substrates with significant gravel composition. Due to leanring more about the plant I may alter the substrate when it is time to repot and see how they perform in more suitable soils.
I have not tried to get any of the plants into a state of fruiting, but I will also try that in the next couple of years.
Tamarindus indicus specifics
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Tamarindus indicus
- Common Name: Sampalyok, Tamarind
- Family: Fabaceae
- Varietals:
- Habitat/Range: Tropical Africa and Asia
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Tree; irregular or crooked growth, deadwood patterns
- Leaves: elicate compund leaves. May close at night
- Flowers: Red and Yellow elongated flower, 1 inch in width
- Fruit/Seed: Brown pod-like fruit sweet and tangy
- Stem/Bark: Rugged bark, thick with furrows
- Growth: moderate
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Full sun 6-8 hours daily. This plant can stand the afternoon sun.
- Water Use: Drought tolerant once established, moderate water, salt spray.
- Soil Mix: Clay, loam, sand, more close to standard potting soils vice gravel aggregates
- Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn). Reduce or stop feeding during the dormant period or after a heavy repotting.
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning: Regular pruning is essentia; in season Spring and Summer
- Defoliation: Partial or full leaf pruning can be used to reduce leaf size, making the tree appear more proportional as a miniature.
- Wiring: Branches can be wired year-round, very flexible to wiring
Gallery images
First, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Second, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, view us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.
