Common name is Tamarind. The best feature of this tree, besides its flowers is how the bark gets furrowed as it ages, that really accentuates the line of the trunk. Most Tamarinds are found with straight trunks so they lend quite well to the formal upright, but with even some movement the furrows really accentuate the line of the trunk. In nature they grow to some 90' with a large umbrella shaped crown. Many styles can be used for bonsai.
PRUNING... Tamarind can take severe root and branch pruning, heavy root pruning is best done spring into early summer. Every branch can be removed if necessary, will back bud readily on old wood.
TRAINING... Young branches are easily bent, even older branches can be bent some. Their branches have a tendency to grow horizontal, which makes for good branch position. Can be defoliated a couple times here through the growing season to reduce leaf size. They are apically dominant so keep the apex thinned some to promote more growth on lower branches, if not the lower branches could die off.
WATERING... They aren’t very drought tolerant so keep them on the moist side. Might add a little extra organic material to your soil, but still needs to be well draining.
LIGHT... Full sun, even after severe root and branch pruning, flushes out quicker. If you are going to show the tree, place in partial sun a few weeks prior to darken the leaves.
FLOWERS... Sometimes in early summer but more often in late summer into fall. Red buds will develop that open to small, pale yellow three pedaled flowers that are sometimes striped with red, resemble orchid blooms. The blooms are followed by cinnamon colored scalloped pods that are edible, used in sauces, chutneys, curries, candies and beverages.
INSECT/ DISEASE... Caterpillars, scale and fungal leaf spot are some of the problems in nature, but not usually in bonsai. A drastically top chopped tree can be susceptible to borers.
REPOT... Minimum night temperatures — low 60s Can be repotted all summer. Rather fast grower so younger trees may need it every year or two at most.
FERTILIZE... Along with a slow release or water soluble fertilizer, use an acidic fertilizer such as Azalea fertilizer monthly or bi-monthly during the growing season, depending on stage of development. Add super phosphate in early spring to promote spring bloom and in late summer for fall blooms.
SEASONAL... Tropical, protect below 40 degrees.
Tamarindus indica