MYSORE AND COOHG. 109 



Cultivated in the Lal-Bagh. The flow6rs, which are 

 rich orange changing to dull red, are produced in 

 ample corymbs between the leaves during . the hot 

 season. They are in demand for the temples, and 

 the whole tree is prized by the Hindus for its 

 medicinal properties and great beauty. In the open 

 Malnad it would form beautiful avenues, in private 

 grounds. The quality of the timber is unknown, 

 beyond the fact that the heartwood is dark-coloured. 

 Propagation from seed is easy. 

 227 Tamarindus indica, Linn. Kan. Huulse, Hunase. 



Fig.-^Bot. Plates Lal-Bdgh Collection. Bedd. 

 m. Sylv. t. 184. Bentl. Sf Trim, t, 92. 



References.— 5 ron(?. For. Flora ; Fl. of Brit. 

 Ind. ; Pharm. Ind. 



The tamarmd tree. Being self-sown and popularly 

 planted evciry where, this handsome species is well 

 known to the people. It is of sldw growth, but 

 possesses so ma.ny useful properties, added to a 

 symmetrical and pleasant exterior, that it is widely 

 cultivated in avenues and topes.. A large evergreen 

 tree, attaining in favorable localities to 80 feet! It 

 flowers very profusely in April and May and yields a 

 crop of fruit in the cold season. Heartwood very 

 hard and . durable but difl&cult to work. Weight 

 about 60 lb. per cubic foot. Highly prized for the 

 naves of wheels, rice pounders, mallets, tent pegs, 

 paddy crushers, oil and sugar mills, and the turning 

 lathe ; also for various articles of furniture ; handles 

 to tools and such like. Cultivated almost entirely 

 for its fruit, the pulp of which contains citric, malic 

 and tartaric acid. This pulp is extensively used in 

 food, and diffused in water, to which is added a little 

 sugar and cardamom powder, it makes a popular 

 cooling drink. Tamarind* seeds are roasted and 

 eaten by many classes, while the lower orders 

 occasionally use them as a masticatory (in the- raw 

 state) in heu of betel-nut. Important medicinal pro- 



