Corduroy Tamarind

Corduroy Tamarind (Mischarytera lautereriana), also called Brush Tamarind, is a native Australian rainforest tree known for its soft, velvety leaves and sweet, edible fruit arils. One of the most beautiful Aussie natives that can grow in a lush Perth garden.

Naturally found in coastal and upland rainforests of QLD and NSW, it makes a beautiful, mid-sized tree for gardens aiming to support wildlife or grow bush tucker.

The fruit ripens to reveal a fleshy yellow-orange aril around a single seed, enjoyed by birds and sometimes eaten raw by people. Though rare in cultivation, it's a hardy species once established and can grow in a range of subtropical and warm temperate gardens if given shade and water when young. A good B grade fruit for snaking and novelty.

Features:

Ideal prune height: 3 to 6 metres

pH range: 5.5 to 7.5

Sun preference: Part shade to full sun (after establishment)

Minimum pot size by year 5: 40L

Time to fruit: 4 to 7 years from seed

Harvest period: Summer to autumn

Notable traits: Edible aril, native rainforest tree, wildlife friendly, attractive foliage

Corduroy Tamarind prefers deep, fertile soil with regular moisture during establishment but adapts to average garden conditions with mulch and care. It can grow in part shade or dappled light and handles some wind once mature. The foliage is soft and velvety when young, making it ornamental even without fruit. In Perth and similar climates, it benefits from protection from harsh afternoon sun in its first 2–3 years.

An excellent choice for food forests, bush tucker gardens, or native habitat plantings, Corduroy Tamarind is both functional and striking.

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