Local name(s)
Rogo'ota (Konsogna), Koria (Wolayetgna)

General description
Tamarindus indica is a large tree to 30m, with an extensive dense crown. It is an evergreen but can be deciduous in dry areas.

Edible part(s), preparation methods and palatability
The flesh of the fruits is edible. When the fruits are soaked in water overnight the liquid becomes a tasty fruit juice, which is appreciated especially by children and the Muslim population. The fruits smell like potatoes but taste bitter like a lemon candy. Children keep the fruit in their mouth like others would do with a chewing gum or a candy. Actually the taste is quite refreshing and pleasant when the fruit is kept in the mouth for a while. Farmers in Konso report that after much sucking the mouth gets numb. The fruit can also be used as a sort of spice to be added to food. Children reported that they usually collect and trade the fruits in school during food shortage periods. In Kindo Koyisha, Wolayita area, people also collect and consume the fruits.

Agroecology
The species is well known and indigenous in tropical Africa. Tamarindus indica is very adaptable, drought resistant and prefers semi-arid areas and wooded grasslands. It grows in most soils but does best in well-drained deep alluvial soil, often riverine in very dry areas. The tree is a lowland species growing in altitudes from 0 - 1,500m.

Propagation method(s)
Seedlings, wildlings, direct sowing

Sample location(s)
(1) Dokatu Kebele, Konso; (2) Z/Nare Kebele, Kindo Koyisha; (3) Faricho Kebele, Humbo

Remarks
The species is multipurpose and is also known for its medicinal value (bark, leaves, roots & fruits). Furthermore, it can be used for firewood, charcoal production, poles, timber, fooder.
 
 

¹ Parts of the following description have been taken from Bekele-Tesemma et al., 1993: p. 426/427