Spiny caesalpinia
Tara spinosa

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 6 m high and spreads 5 m wide. The trunk is erect and slender. It has prickles on the branches. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. The flowers are yellow. They have a scent. They grow in dense groups. The fruit are pods. They are 10 cm long by 2.5 cm wide. The seeds are large and round and black. There are 4-7 seeds in a pod.

There are about 150 Caesalpinia species. Also as Caesalpinaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is best in a rich, moist, well-drained soil. It needs a protected sunny position. It is damaged by drought or frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andes, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canary Is., Chile, Colombia, Cuba (country/location of origin), Ecuador, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, North America, Peru, South Africa, South America (country/location of origin), Spain, Uganda, USA, Venezuela, West Indies, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds coat, leaves - spice

How it is grown

It is grown from seed. The seed need treatment before planting.

Its other names

Local names

Algarroba, Arrayan, Campeche, Espino, Guarango, Lompeche, Tailin, Tallo, Tara, Vainilla, Vainillo, Waranku

Synonyms

Caesalpinia pectinata Cav.; Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) O. Kuntze; Caesalpinia tara Ruiz & Pav.; and others