Tamarind monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future

ainfall; this is due in part to its deep and extensive root system (Coronel,
1991). This can be observed in the north and south dry zones of Sri Lanka,
where there is a prolonged dry season of over 4-6 months. In the
intermediate zone above 300 m, a few trees can be seen, but their bearing
ability is comparatively less than those grown in the dry areas.
Tamarind is usually evergreen but may shed its leaves in very dry conditions
during the hot/dry season (Morton, 1987).
4.2.2 Temperature
Essentially a tree of tropical climates, tamarind thrives under a maximum
annual temperature ranging from 33-37� C to a minimum of 9.5-20� C. The
trees are very sensitive to fire and frost and require protection when small
(Troup, 1921; NAS, 1979). Older trees are more resistant to extremes of
temperature than young trees and can withstand temperatures as high as 47 o
C and as low as -3� C without serious injury. Tamarind is more cold tolerant
than mango, avocado and lychee (Verheij and Coronel, 1991).
4.2.3 Light
Tamarind is a light demanding tree and grows very slowly. It is often
isolated from other vegetation and the ground is usually bare around the tree
due in part to the dense shading by the canopy.
4.2.4 Wind
The tamarind tree is very resistant to strong winds, and can tolerate violent
typhoons and cyclones (von Maydell, 1986; von Carlowitz, 1986). Often
known as the hurricane-resistant tree (NAS, 1979), it has strong and pliant
branches and a deep and extensive root system, which anchors it to the
ground (Coronel, 1986). Another explanation for the isolated growing habit
of the tree is its tolerance to harsh environments.
4.2.5 Altitude
Tamarind has been reported to grow from altitudes of 0-2000 m (Roti-
Michelozzi, 1957; Dale and Greenway, 1961; Brenan, 1967; FAO, 1988;
Jama et al. 1989). The lack of tamarind growing at higher altitudes is
associated more with the decrease in temperature than the altitude itself. In
Yunan, China, Li et al. (2004) considered tamarind suited to 1400m when
planting a range of trees for afforestation between 1400-1600m above sea
level.
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