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Dominica Botanic Gardens
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    • Selected Trees and Shrubs
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Selected Trees and Shrubs
Dialium ovoideum; Common name: Velvet Tamarind; Origin: Sri Lanka


​Plant Family: Belongs to the Fabaceae family, which includes Bois Kwaib (Poitea carinalis) and Flame of the Forest (Butea frondosa).

Description:Two trees in ornamental section, one in economic section; large, spreading tree; stem divides low down into several major branches; leaves pinnately compound; fruit, produced in large clusters, are small, ovate pods, about 1.5 cm long (0.6 in), covered with a slight, black, velvet-like down, have thin, brittle shell which easily cracked between fingers, are single-seeded, with agreeably tasting, sweet, slightly acid, light brown or tan, powdery pulp; in Dominica, fruiting in first half of year; tree reportedly similar to D. guineense  but distinguished by its smaller leaves.
Natural Habitat: Thrives in semi-dry tropical evergreen and deciduous forests.

Origin and Distribution: Native to Sri Lanka with varied distribution in SE Asia.

Uses: Wood a dark red color, much sought after in native habitat, used for building and furniture; fruits edible with agreeably tasting, sweet, slightly acid, powdery pulp, used fresh or in a drink; leaves used for fodder.
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References:
H.F. Macmillan. Tropical Planting and Gardening. Macmillan, London 1956
Asia Food. Velvet Tamarind. Asia Source, Asia Society, New York, NY 1999  www.asiasource.org
​​Gardens Introduction

​

Preface - How it Began
Introduction to Website
A Brief History
Plan of Gardens 
Contemporary Commentary​
​Trees, Shrubs, Birds

​
​
Selected Trees and Shrubs
Medicinal Plants
​
Gardens Activities
  Florida's Fairchild Garden
Parrot/Animal Sanctuary
Birds of the Gardens
Garden Views

​
​
Three Virtual Tours
Panoramic Views Today
Early Panoramic Views
 
Hurricane David's Ravages
Future Developments
Curators/Administrators
Reports and Documents
  
Getting Involved
Related Links
Sub-sites

​

Honorees
Island Scholars
Cabinet Photos
​​Treasures of the Cathedral

​Diaspora Policy Paper
​

Visit the DAAS  Website
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Copyright © -  Davison Shillingford, Clayton Shillingford and (the late) Raglan Riviere