Dialium orientale is a multi-stemmed shrub or a tree with a crown that is flattened or spreading and drooping to the ground; it can grow 6 - 15 metres tall. The bole is short.
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its edible fruit and useful wood.
The tree has a restricted range along the coast of east Africa, much of this habitat is threatened with overcutting and clearing. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2011).

Known Hazards

None known

Habitat

Evergreen dry forests, Brachystegia woodland, evergreen bushland, clump grassland, coastal riverine vegetation; often in sandy or alluvial soils, at elevations up to 100 metres.

Cultivation Status

Wild

Cultivation Details

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw The white, soft, mealy pulp surrounding the seeds has a sour taste similar to tamarind. The hard seeds are discarded and the pulp is eaten like chewing gum
The ripe fruit can be peeled, soaked in warm water and then squeezed. Sugar is added to the thick liquid, which is then filtered. The juice is then ready for drinking before or after being cooled.
The round, reddish seedpods are up to 18mm long.
They become dry and brittle as they ripen, eventually cracking open to set free 1 - 2 seeds in a mealy edible pulp.

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses

None Recorded

Other Uses

The wood is very hard.
It is used for tool handles, dhow ribs and grain mortars.
The wood is used for fuel and is made into charcoal.
The reddish-brown wood is heavy and hard. It is used for poles in construction, joinery, furniture, boat ribs, mortars and tool handles.
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal.

Propagation

Seed –