Wild Tamarind
Cojoba arborea
- Native to:
- Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Puerto Rico
iNaturalist: © christopher-kukla (iNaturalist #264966353)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Cojoba
- Species:
- Cojoba arborea
- USDA Symbol:
- COAR9
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cydia flavicollis
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, mammals
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers fertile soils in tropical regions
Propagation & Germination
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) to break physical dormancy; germination occurs in 2-4 weeks under warm, moist conditions.