Pithecellobium dulce
Manila Tamarind
Jungle Jalebi
Madras Thorn
Serving as a host plant for the Red-Bordered Pixie and Three-Spot grass yellow butterflies, this drought resistant tree features brown, white streaked bark and fragrant, green-white flowers that produce spiraled pinkish-red pods that twist among the branches. In fact, its Aztec name is cuauhmôchit, which translates to 'popcorn'! This species requires full sun, and is suitable for xeriscaping. Makes a really nice Bonsai project!
Fun Facts:
- Native to the Pacific Coast
- Pulp is also used as a base for agua de huamuche
- Songbirds love the tree, especially the seed pods dispersing the seed
- Bark is high in tannin