Diploglottis australis (Native Tamarind)

Poyt448 Peter Woodard, no rights reserved (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons

Diploglottis spp.

native tamarind

Sapindaceae

Eastern Australia, New Guinea, Pacific

Attracts Pollinators

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Diploglottis spp. is a genus of about 11 species of evergreen trees in the soapberry family (Sapindaceae), centred on the rainforests of eastern Australia with a few species in New Guinea and the Pacific. Trees reach 26-100 feet (8-30 m) in forest and stay smaller in the open, carrying very large pinnate leaves up to 18-31 inches (45-80 cm) long with several pairs of broad, corrugated leaflets, the new growth coated in rust-coloured hairs. Branched sprays of small cream to brownish flowers appear in spring, followed by lobed capsules that split to show seeds wrapped in a tart yellow to orange aril. D. australis, the native tamarind, is widespread in eastern Australian forests, while D. campbellii, the small-leaved tamarind, survives as a small wild population. The arils are edible and sharply acidic. The large soft leaves and broad crown make trees wide-spreading, and the soft timber and brittle limbs limit planting near structures.

Native Range

Diploglottis spp. is native to the rainforests and moist forests of eastern Australia, from Queensland to New South Wales, with additional species in New Guinea and Pacific islands. Most species grow in warm, frost-free lowland to upland rainforest.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a shade and canopy tree in large gardens, parks, and rainforest revegetation in warm climates. The edible tart arils are used in jams, sauces, and drinks, and the tree supplies food and habitat for native birds.

How to Identify

Recognised by very large pinnate leaves with several pairs of broad leaflets that are often corrugated and felted with rust-coloured hairs when young. Branched flower sprays carry small cream flowers, and the lobed capsules open to reveal seeds in a tart orange aril. The oversized rusty-haired compound leaves separate Diploglottis spp. from most co-occurring rainforest trees.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height26' - 100'

Width/Spread20' - 50'

Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs mainly in spring, with branched sprays of small cream to pale brown flowers held among the foliage. Capsules ripen through summer and split to expose the arillate seeds. Flowering and fruiting are heaviest on mature open-grown trees.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

cream to pale brown

Foliage Description

green, rust-haired when young

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Diploglottis spp. grows in warm, frost-free climates in deep, moist, well-drained soil with reliable rainfall or irrigation, in full sun to part shade. Young trees establish in the shelter of taller plants and move into full sun as they grow, matching their rainforest origins. The genus has low frost tolerance and is damaged by cold winds and prolonged dry spells. Growth is moderate to fast where soil moisture and warmth are steady. Brittle wood and a broad spreading crown call for open space away from buildings and paths. Mulch and steady moisture suit the shallow surface roots.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed beyond removing dead, damaged, or crossing limbs, because the natural crown is broad and rounded. Formative pruning of young trees can raise the canopy for clearance beneath. The brittle wood splits under heavy cuts, so smaller, frequent cuts heal more cleanly than large ones.