Native tamarind
Diploglottis cunninghamii

Family: Sapindaceae

What it is like

A large shrub or small tree. It can grow 8-20 m high. It spreads 2-6 m wide. The trunk is fluted at the base. The bark is grey. The young shoots are angular. They are covered with velvety brown hairs. Young leaves are broad and papery. The leaves are 30-80 cm long. The mature leaves are divided into leaflets along the stalk. There are 8-12 leaflets which are 10-30 cm long by 2-6 cm wide and oval or sword shaped. They have velvety hairs underneath. The flowers are in a large panicle at the ends of branches. The flowers are 0.4 cm across. They have 2-3 lobes. The flowers are yellow-brown. The fruit contain 3 large seeds. These are surrounded by a fleshy orange aril which is edible. The fruit are 1-2 cm wide.

There are 8 Diploglottis species.

Where it is found

It grows in the rainforest. It grows in warm temperate regions but can grow in the tropics. It needs well drained soil and light shade. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are edible but sour. The jelly like aril is chewed or used for drinks or jam. They can be cooked with fish and chicken. They can be used for jams, chutneys, sauces and cocktails.

Edible parts

Fruit aril

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seed need to be sown fresh. Seeds germinate in 1-2 weeks.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cupania cunninghamii Hook. ; Cupania diphyllostegia F. Muell.; Diploglottis australis (G. Don) Radlk. [Illegitimate]; Diploglottis australis var. muelleri (F. M. Bailey) Radlk.; Diploglottis cunninghamii var. diphyllostegia J. F. Bailey; Diploglottis cunninghamii var. muelleri F. M. Bailey; Ratonia diphyllostegia F. Muell.; Stadmannia australis A. Cunn. ex Hook.;