Tamarindus (also known as tamarind, sour horn, sour son, nine layers of skin, Indian date, Thai sweet horn, sour plum tree, Yasen fruit, etc.; scientific name: Tamarindus indica) is the only species of the genus Tamarindus of the family Leguminosae, is a tropical tree, is native to East Africa, including Madagascar deciduous forests, but has been introduced to tropical Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. The English Tamarindus consists of Tarmar and indus, with Tarmar meaning ripe date's and indus referring to India. The tamarind tree is the city tree of Sanya, Hainan Province, China. The tamarind tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and can remain evergreen throughout the seasons in areas without a dry season. The tamarind has a hard, blackish-red heartwood and a soft, yellowish-white sapwood. The leaves of the tamarind are even-pinnate and include 10-40 leaflets. The flowers of the sorrel are in racemose inflorescences that are yellow-orange in color. The fruits are brownish bean-like pods that contain soft pulp and many hard-skinned seeds. Scratching the seed coat helps germination. [edit] Uses The pulp of the tamarind fruit is edible and much loved, used as a seasoning in Asian and Latin American cooking, as well as an important ingredient in Worcestershire sauce and HP sauce. The flesh of the immature fruit is sour and astringent and is often used in appetizing dishes. The ripe fruit is sweeter and can be used in desserts, beverages and snacks. The fruits, leaves and bark of the tamarind are used medicinally. In the Philippines, for example, the leaves of tamarind are used as an herbal tea to reduce malaria fever. Because of its medicinal value, tamarind is used in ayurveda to treat stomach and digestive complaints. In temples, especially in Asian countries, the fruit of the tamarind is used to remove dirt and green patina from bronze statues. Soursop wood is bright red in color. Because of its density and durability, the heartwood of the tamarind is used to make furniture and wooden floors. In southern India, the tamarind tree is very common, especially in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The tamarind tree is used as an ornamental tree and is planted along country roads and highways to provide shade. Monkeys love the ripe fruits of the tamarind.