Small leaved tamarind

What does it look like?

The small-leaved tamarind is a medium-sized rainforest tree growing up to 30 metres in height. It has a fluted trunk and greyish-brown bark with vertical cracks. The crown is dense with lush green leaves that are long and divided into 4 to 8 leaflets. Small insignificant cream flowers can be seen in spring, followed by bright red fruits housed in a yellow-brown capsule 3 to 5 centimetres in diameter.

Where does it live?

The small-leaved tamarind is restricted to eastern Australia on the coastal lowlands between the Richmond River in northern New South Wales and Mudgeeraba Creek, Queensland. On the Gold Coast, the species is only found in the Currumbin and Tallebudgera valley areas.

Ecology & habitat

The small-leaved tamarind occurs in forest types varying from lush lowland subtropical rainforest to drier subtropical rainforest with a brush box (Lophostemon confertus) open upper tree canopy (overstorey). The preferred habitat type is well-watered but well-drained sites on basalt-derived soils or alluvium at low altitude.

How is its survival threatened?

• Historic clearing and fragmentation of habitat from agriculture and urban development
• Small and isolated populations
• Does not fruit every year and has short seed viability, limiting reproduction
• Juvenile plants are slow-growing and require protection when small
• Grazing and trampling by stock limit seedling survival and growth

How can we help?

• Protect populations and habitat located on private property and Council land
• Manage existing populations on Council land and increase the number of small-leaved tamarind trees at these sites
• Support landholders to improve management of existing populations on private property
• Restore disturbed habitat areas and promote establishing new populations on private and Council land

Image credit: Glenn Leiper