Bahama Lysiloma
(Wild Tamarind)
Lysiloma lattisiliquum
Plant Family: Leguminosae
Leaves: Alternate, twice-compound, to 20 cm, with 2 to 6 pairs of segments and 10 – 20 pairs of leaflets per segment.
Bark: Whitish gray with black; the relatively short trunk is buttressed in large specimens.
Flowers: Globular, with numerous white stamens, in the leaf axils; spring to summer.
Fruits: A flattened, short, green pod ripening to black and white, to 10cm, persisting on the tree for several months.
Habitat: Hammocks, pinelands, commonly planted.
Growth Form: Medium to large tree with a short trunk and a wide spreading crown.
Similar Species: Whitish bark, flat, wide, black and white pods, and no spines on the branches distinguish it from other legumes.
Comments: Large specimens may rival Mahogany in spread.
