The tamarind tree is grown for its fruits as well as a shade tree. It is a large tree, usually growing to a height of 20 meters or more. The leaves are even-pinnate composed of very small leaflets. The flowers which grow in recemes have yellowish petals with pink strips.
The green pods, young leaves and flowers are used for flavoring a certain favorite dish called " sinigang." The sweet ripe pods are used in the manufacture of syrup, beverage, jellies and other sub-acid confections.
The young leaves are prepared to ease rheumatic pains. To reduce inflammations of body-joints apply on them poultices of warm, pounded young leaves.The solution formed by boiling the leaves in water mixed with little sugar when taken relieve cough.
