Dialium Indum

Dialium indum is a species of tropical tree belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as Velvet tamarind, monkey pod or Indian dialium. The tree is native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, and is also found in other tropical regions around the world.

The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall with a dense, spreading crown. The leaves are compound, with 7-9 oval-shaped leaflets. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that grow in clusters, which eventually give way to elongated, cylindrical fruits. The fruits are about 10-15 cm long and 2-3 cm wide, and have a tough outer shell that encases the juicy, acidic pulp. The pulp has a sour taste and is used in various dishes in Southeast Asian cuisine, as well as for making jams and beverages.

In traditional medicine, various parts of the Dialium indum tree have been used to treat various ailments such as diabetes, dysentery, and respiratory infections. The bark is used for its astringent properties and to treat skin conditions, while the leaves are used to treat fever and digestive issues.

Dialium indum is a valuable timber tree, with its wood being used for furniture, flooring, and construction. The tree is also used for shade and as a windbreak in agroforestry systems. However, due to habitat loss and overexploitation, the species is becoming increasingly rare in some areas. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve the remaining populations of Dialium indum.