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