Pithecellobium Species, Madras Thorn, Manilla Tamarind

Pithecellobiumdulce

Family
Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Pithecellobium (pith-eh-sell-LOH-bee-um)
Species
dulce (DUL-see)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Deciduous
This plant is fire-retardant
Height
over 40 ft. (12 m)
Spacing
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
White/Near White
Cream/Tan
Bloom Time
Late Winter/Early Spring
Other Details
Category
Trees
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From woody stem cuttings
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Casa Grande, Arizona

Fresno, California

Los Angeles, California

Bradley, Florida

Merritt Island, Florida

Harlingen, Texas

Houston, Texas

Katy, Texas

Laredo, Texas

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Gardener's Notes:

5
positives
2
neutrals
0
negative
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E
Los Angeles, CA | December 2018 | positive

Guamuchil, as we call it here in Los Angeles is virtually invasive. I have several forty foot trees on my property. My neighbors come ove...Read More

G
Fresno, CA | February 2015 | positive

Live in the California central valley ...I been looking to get this tree for over a year and found one at my local home depot, I bought i...Read More

J
Waldon, CA | November 2012 | neutral

Pithecellobium dulce has many names, and is also known as Guamuchil. At the southern tip of Texas it serves as caterpillar forage -- a h...Read More

Y
Y
Laredo, TX | October 2009 | positive

The fruit is sweet. But what I like is that it appears to be a magnet for songbirds. They love the pods!

On the downside, ...Read More

D
Bartow, FL | February 2005 | positive

I bought this fruit from some Mexican people at a farmers market north of Plant City. I found the fruit to have a texture and taste like...Read More

S
| December 2003 | positive

Pithecellobium dulce is one of the most common trees of the Mexican highlands. Its Nahuatl (Aztec) name was cuauhmôchitl (pronounced kwa...Read More

C
C
Tennille, GA (Zone 8b) | May 2003 | neutral

It is not a pretty tree to landscape with and it is very thorny and spikey. It has a spreading habit with irregular brancehs. Leaves are ...Read More

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