Tamarind Tree : Uses, Benefits, Growth & Prices
- BeyondForest
- Jun 23, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 9
1.)Tamarind Common Names
5.)How Long Does It Take for Tamarind to Bear Fruit
6.)What Is the Lifespan of a Tamarind Tree
8.)FAQs About Tamarind in Kenya
About the Tamarind Tree
Image of a 200 years old Tamarind Tree by naphatnpui
We use it porridge!- Dan Laurice
The tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica) is one of the most iconic and valuable indigenous trees found in tropical and subtropical regions, including Kenya. It is a large, slow-growing, evergreen to semi-deciduous tree that can reach heights of 20–30 meters, with a wide, spreading canopy that provides deep shade. Botanically, tamarind belongs to the Fabaceae (legume) family, yet unlike most legumes, it grows into a massive hardwood tree rather than a shrub.
Kamba people we are realy blind, this product of Tamarid tree (nzumula as we call it),are eaten by monkeys in our place, consuming it daily seems as a sign of poverty -John Mteule
Want To Learn More About the Muratina Tree AKA Kigelia African click Here >>>
Tamarind thrives in hot, dry, and semi-arid climates, tolerates poor soils, and withstands prolonged drought once established. Its deep taproot system allows it to access underground moisture, making it highly resilient in regions with unreliable rainfall. Tamarind trees are known to live for 100–200 years, with many remaining productive for generations.
the crop needs serious marketing globally. Our county governments have a role to play.-Captain Green Ke
The tree produces distinctive brown, pod-like fruits containing a sticky, sweet-sour pulp rich in organic acids, antioxidants, minerals, and natural sugars. This pulp is widely used in food, beverages, traditional medicine, and food preservation. Beyond fruit production, the tamarind tree provides hard, termite-resistant timber, medicinal bark and leaves, and acts as a critical shade and soil-stabilizing tree.
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In Digo language it is known as Mkwadzu. In Embu language it is known as Muthith.In Giriama language it is known as Mkwaju, Kwaju .In Kamba language it is known as Kithumula, Kikwasu Nthumula , Nzumula (fruit), Ngwasu.In Kipsigis language it is known as Lemecwhet, Arwet, Karyat. In Luhya language it is known as Kumukhuwa. In Luo language it is known as Chwaa. In Kisii language it is known as Epedurut.In Hausa language it is known as samiya. In Amo Language it is referred to as Uwam.
Image of Tamarind Seeds by Star Laboratories Surabaya
In Teso Language it is known as Apedur. In Turkana Language it is known as Apedur. In Pokot language it is known as Aroon. In Sudan it is known as Ardeab tree. In Higgi language it is known as Mbulla. In Fulani or fulfulde language it is known as jabbeh. In Malawi it is known as Bwemba
Chwa, my favorite detox, also taking care of my liver as well- Josephine Guya
Tamarind prefers altitudes below 1,200 meters, tolerates drought, and performs best in regions with long dry seasons
Tamarind grows naturally in hot, dry, and semi-arid regions of Kenya, where it thrives with minimal rainfall and well-drained soils. It is most common along the Coastal region, including Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, and Tana River, where warm temperatures support healthy fruiting. Inland, tamarind is widely found in Eastern Kenya, particularly Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, and parts of Embu and Tharaka Nithi. It also grows in lowland Rift Valley areas such as Baringo and Turkana.
Tamarind is called Ukwaju in Swahili. Ukwaju is a well-known indigenous fruit across coastal and inland East Africa, especially in Kenya and Tanzania for its sour-sweet fruit pulp.The sticky brown pulp is commonly used to make refreshing juices, sauces, candies, and traditional remedies for digestion and fever.
What Is Special About the Tamarind Tree
The tamarind tree is special because it combines extreme longevity, resilience, and usefulness in one plant. It can live for over 200 years, surviving droughts and poor soils where many trees fail. Its deep root system makes it highly drought-tolerant, while its wide canopy provides excellent natural shade, often used as a resting or meeting spot in rural areas. The fruit is uniquely sweet-sour, making it valuable in food, drinks, and medicine. Nearly every part of the tree is useful—fruit for nutrition, leaves for medicine, wood for tools, and seeds for industry. Tamarind also improves landscapes by preventing soil erosion and supporting biodiversity.
Image of a Tamarind Sapling selling for 400Ksh at Northern Bypass by Irene Kariuki
A tamarind tree usually takes 5 to 7 years to start bearing fruit when grown from seed, though this can vary depending on climate, soil quality, and care. Trees grown from grafted or vegetatively propagated seedlings can fruit earlier, often in 3 to 4 years. Tamarind is a slow-growing but long-living tree, and once it starts fruiting, yields increase steadily with age. Full commercial production is typically reached after 10 to 15 years, after which the tree can produce large harvests for decades sometimes over a century making it a valuable long-term investment for farmers and homesteads.
What Is the Lifespan of a Tamarind Tree
A tamarind tree has an exceptionally long lifespan, often living 100 to 200 years, and in some cases over 300 years under favorable conditions. This longevity is due to its hardy nature, deep root system, and strong resistance to drought and pests. Tamarind grows slowly but steadily, investing energy in dense wood and a wide canopy that allows it to survive harsh climates for generations.
Tamarind Fruit: Taste, Nutrition & Uses
Tamarind fruit is best known for its distinctive sweet-and-sour taste, which becomes sweeter as the fruit ripens. The brown sticky pulp inside the pod is rich in natural acids, giving it a tangy flavor widely used in both food and drinks. Nutritionally, tamarind is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants that support digestion and immunity. In East Africa, tamarind is commonly used to make refreshing juices, sauces, and traditional snacks. Globally, it is a key ingredient in soups, marinades, chutneys, curries, and sauces, especially in Asian and coastal cuisines.
Where does tamarind grow in Kenya?
Tamarind grows best in hot, dry and semi-arid areas of Kenya, especially along the Coast (Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu), Eastern Kenya (Kitui, Machakos, Makueni), and parts of Rift Valley lowlands. It thrives in well-drained soils and tolerates drought very well.
What is special about the tamarind tree?
The tamarind tree is special because it is long-living, drought-resistant, and multi-purpose. It provides edible fruit, medicinal value, shade, timber, and income. A mature tamarind tree can remain productive for over 100 years.
How long does a tamarind tree take to grow?
A tamarind tree grows slowly. From seed, it takes 6–10 years to start bearing fruit. Grafted tamarind trees can begin fruiting earlier, usually within 3–5 years under good conditions.
How long does it take for a tamarind tree to bear fruit?
Seed-grown tamarind trees take 6–10 years, while grafted trees may fruit in 3–5 years. Full commercial yields are achieved after about 10–15 years.
What is the lifespan of a tamarind tree?
Tamarind trees are extremely long-lived and can survive 100–200 years. Some old trees in Africa and Asia are believed to be several centuries old.
What is tamarind called in Swahili?
Tamarind is called “Ukwaju” in Swahili. The fruit pulp is widely used in Kenyan coastal cuisine, drinks, and traditional medicine.
Which month is tamarind season in Kenya?
Tamarind season in Kenya typically runs from June to September, depending on the region and rainfall patterns. Harvesting often continues into the dry season.
Can you eat tamarind straight from the tree?
Yes, tamarind can be eaten straight from the tree once fully ripe. The pulp has a sweet-sour taste. However, it is more commonly processed into juice, sauces, or dried pulp.
What happens to your body when you eat tamarind?
Eating tamarind helps improve digestion, relieve constipation, boost immunity, and provide antioxidants. It is rich in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber.
Who should not eat tamarind?
People with acid reflux, stomach ulcers, or low blood sugar should consume tamarind in moderation. Excessive intake may cause stomach irritation due to its acidity.
How is tamarind used in cooking?
Tamarind is used to make juices, sauces, soups, marinades, candies, and chutneys. In Kenya, it is commonly used for refreshing drinks and flavoring coastal dishes.
How much is tamarind in Kenya?
Tamarind prices in Kenya vary by season and location. On average, 1 kg of tamarind pulp ranges between KSh 150 – 400, depending on quality and market demand.
Three potted Tamarind saplings on a roadside at Northern Bypass for sale at 400Ksh by Irene Kariuki
What is the yield of a tamarind tree?
A mature tamarind tree can produce 150–500 kg of pods per year, making it a valuable long-term investment for farmers in dry areas.
How often should you water a tamarind tree?
Young tamarind trees need regular watering during establishment. Once mature, the tree is highly drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
Why do people say you should not sleep under a tamarind tree at night?
This is mostly a cultural belief. Scientifically, tamarind trees release carbon dioxide at night like all plants, but not at harmful levels. The real risk is falling branches or insects, not the tree itself.
