Tamarind monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future

Tamarind leaves are used for fodder and are relished by cattle and goats,
although they are rarely used for this purpose in home gardens as harvesting
reduces fruit yield. However, tamarind trees growing in woodlands are often
eaten by wild animals, such as elephants in Zambia (Kaitho et al., 1988;
Storrs, 1995). Ngog Nje (1984) studied the feeding habits of West African
giraffe in the Waza National Park in Cameroon and revealed that giraffes
browse 22 plant species belonging to 12 families, tamarind is the preferred
plant, probably due to its high leaf protein content.
The leaves are used to rear silkworms, Anephe spp. in India and Hypsoides
vuilletti in West Africa. The silk produced is very fine and considered
superior for embroidery. Tamarind leaves, flowers and the fruit contain acid
and are employed as auxiliaries in dye, especially with safflower. The leaves
and flowers are also useful as mordants in dyeing. A yellow dye derived
from the leaves colours wool red and turns indigo dyed silk to green (Anon,
1976; Salim et al., 1998). Mature leaves are used as a bleaching agent in the
preparation of young leaves of ‘buri’ (Corypha alata) for hat making in the
Philippines (Brown, 1954).
3.4.4 Twigs and Bark
After a lapse of more than half a century natural vegetable dyes have
regained considerable importance all over the world because of their ecofriendly
nature. Many tamarind-producing countries can play a vital role in
this field and serve as a potential source for natural dyes. Tamarind bark and
leaves contain tannin, with the bark reported to contain up to 70%, which
has been used in the tanning industry. It is used for tanning hides and dyeing.
Galls on the young branches are also used for tanning (Morton, 1987).
In Zambia, bark tannins are used in the preparation of ink and for fixing dyes
(Storrs, 1995). The bark is also burnt to make ink in many other African
countries. Tamarind twigs are sometimes used as ‘chewsticks’ and the bark
is also used as a masticatory, alone or in place of lime with betel nut.
3.4.5 Lac
The tamarind tree is a host for the lac insect, Kerria lacca, that deposits a
resin on the twigs. This product could be harvested and sold as stick-lac for
the production of varnishes and lacquers. However, this is not considered an
important product and tamarind growers often cut the resinous twigs and
discard them.
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