The Native Tamarind - Diploglottis australis, is a medium to tall evergreen, fruit bearing tree, growing up to 35meters in the sub-tropical and dry rain-forest of its native Northern Australia. Young trees will grow straight up with a small spiral of leaves until they reach the forest canopy when they begin to branch. Mature large trees have a heavy shady crown at the top of a tall and straight trunk.


The Diploglottis australis has deep green, compound and alternate leaves, with 8 to 12 large and 15-30cm long furry leaflets. These are of the largest tree leaves in the Australian rain-forest and the most dramatic feature of this plant. New leaf growth is dark brown and velvety highly attractive.

Flowers are hermaphrodite, small, born on axillary panicles, white in color with 4 or 5 petals and two tongue-like glands at the base of each petal, hence the name Diploglottis (double tongue).

The Native Tamarind produces large numbers of fruit. The fruit is a yellow-brown hairy, lobed capsule with 2 or 3 seeds rounded by an orange-yellow edible flesh. The fruits are very tasty although somewhat acidic; they can be used to make jams, refreshing drinks and desserts. The fruit is also very appealing to native wildlife.

Tree propagation is by freshly collected seed. Native tamarinds are related to the Lychee, Rambutan and Longan of Asia. They make a impressive potted specimen and could be kept small by cutting the stem back, they will happily re-shoot.

The plant favors a moist but well drained sandy or loamy soil and a sunny or semi-shade location. Native Tamarinds are very sensitive to cold weather and frost.

Diploglottis australis is a member of the family Sapindaceae the genus Diploglottis. It makes a beautiful tree for the larger gardens producing a whole lot of fruit while its dense canopy offering plenty of shade.

Native Tamarind, Diploglottis australis,

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