Pithecellobium dulce is a species of flowering plant in the pea family, Fabaceae, that is native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.[1] It is introduced and extensively naturalised in the Caribbean, Florida, Guam and Southeast Asia. It is considered an invasive species in Hawaii.
Guamúchil is a tree that reaches a height of about 5 to 8 m (16 to 26 ft). Its trunk is spiny and its leaves are bipinnate. Each pinna has a single pair of ovate-oblong leaflets that are about 2 to 4 m (6.6 to 13 ft) long. The flowers are greenish-white, fragrant, sessile and reach about 12 cm (4.7 in) in length though appear shorter due to coiling. The flowers produce a pod with an edible pulp. The seeds are black.
The seeds are dispersed via birds that feed on the sweet pod. Guamúchil is drought-resistant and can survive in dry lands from sea level to an elevation of 300 m (980 ft), making it suitable for cultivation as a street tree.
Uses
Medicinal uses
In folk medicine, a decoction of its bark can cure frequent bowel movements. The leaves can be applied as plasters for pain and venereal sores. Decoctions of leaves are also used for indigestion and as an abortifacient. Its bark is also used due to its high tannin content and might be the reason behind its introduction to Guam from Mexico via the Philippines.
As food
The seedpods contain a sweet pulp that can be eaten raw or prepared as a beverage.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila_tamarind
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