Sierra leone-tamarind (Dialium guineense, Arch. Bot. 1(1): 31 (1796))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Willd.

Bibliography: Arch. Bot. 1(1): 31 (1796)

Year: 1796

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Dialium

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & WC. Trop. Africa

Description

The Sierra Leone-Tamarind, scientifically known as Dialium guineense, is a noteworthy plant native to the tropical regions of Africa. Belonging to the Fabaceae family, this plant has intrigued botanists and horticulturists alike due to its distinctive features and ecological significance. Arch. Bot., in volume 1, issue 1, page 31 published in 1796, documents its first formal description by the renowned botanist Willd.

Dialium guineense thrives in the warm and humid climates characteristic of West and Central Tropical Africa. It is an essential component of the flora in these regions, contributing to the rich biodiversity. The tree is well adapted to the local environmental conditions, which include variations in rainfall and temperature typical of tropical ecosystems.

One of the remarkable features of the Sierra Leone-Tamarind is its adaptability and resilience. It plays a significant ecological role, providing habitat and nourishment for many species of wildlife. Furthermore, like other members of the Fabaceae family, it possesses the ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation—a beneficial trait for maintaining the health and productivity of tropical soils.

The fruit of Dialium guineense, often termed as tamarind, is valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Rich in vitamins and minerals, the fruit has traditionally been used by local populations both as a food source and a remedy for various ailments. The sweet and tangy flavors make it a popular ingredient in regional culinary practices.

In studies concerning ethnobotany and sustainable agricultural practices, the Sierra Leone-Tamarind is frequently cited. Its multipurpose utility—ranging from food to traditional medicine, and its contribution to ecosystem stability—highlights its importance beyond mere botanical curiosity. Continuing research on this species can provide deeper insights into its potential applications in agroforestry and conservation efforts.

In summary, Dialium guineense, the Sierra Leone-Tamarind, is a vital plant species within the tropics of Africa. Endowed with unique properties and ecological benefits, it stands as a testament to the intricate connections between flora and the diverse environments they inhabit. The documentation provided by pioneering works such as those of Willd. remains instrumental in furthering our understanding and appreciation of this remarkable tree.

Common Names

Eng: sierra leone-tamarind, velvet tamarind, velvet-tamarind
Por: velvet-tamarind
En: Sierra Leone-tamarind, Velvet-tamarind, Velvet tamarind, Black tumbler, West African Velvet Tamarind
Zh: 羅望子李
Fi: Mustakeranji
Fr: Tamarinier noir, Solom
Ff: Kedebe, Méko, Mako, Mekohi
Ha: Tsamiyar biri
Pt: Velvet-tamarind
Wo: Solam, Solom

Synonyms

• Dialium anomalum (Webb)
• Dialium nitidum ((Sol. ex Vahl) Guill. & Perr.)
• Codarium nitidum (Sol. ex Vahl)
• Codarium discolor (DC.)
• Codarium solanderi (Vahl)
• Codarium obtusifolium (Afzel.)
• Codarium acutifolium (Afzel.)
• Dialium discolor (Hook.f.)

Distribution

• Benin (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Congo (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Mali (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Togo (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• India (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Ibrahima GUEYE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2021 by KANSAMA Luca (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2020 by Roland Appiah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2020 by Roland Appiah (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 1, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2020 by Roland Appiah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Cri Mai (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by epiphane tchehouali (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2022 by Marie Faye (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 1, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2971007)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:492316-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dialium guineense Willd.)

Specifications

Growth