Hortiforum

General Info – Velvet Tamarind, Tamarind Plum, Keranji

Velvet Tamarind trees produce distinctive, Grape-sized fruit with a brittle black shell that can be easily cracked open to reveal a dry, edible pulp. This pulp is more powdery and less moist than regular Tamarind, with a similar tangy flavour—though it’s milder, with hints reminiscent of Dates or Raisins. Each fruit usually contains one or two seeds. Commonly eaten across South-East Asia and parts of Africa, Velvet Tamarind is typically enjoyed as a sweet, dessert-like snack, and is sometimes coated in sugar or spices for extra flavour.
Native to the wet tropics of South-East Asia, the Velvet Tamarind thrives in similar conditions elsewhere, particularly in monsoonal climates. It is not frost-tolerant and is unsuitable for regions with cold winters. The plant can grow in both fertile and relatively poor soils, as long as they are well-drained. However, it is known to be very slow to start bearing fruit, with a waiting period of 10 to 15 years commonly reported.
A striking tree when fully mature, the Velvet Tamarind can reach impressive heights of up to 40 metres, though it often remains considerably smaller. It produces flowering shoots with white, bisexual flowers that develop into distinctive clusters of fruit.

Plant Profile/Properties