Morpho-Taxonomic Approaches of Indian Date (Tamarindus indica L.) Seedling - A Multipurpose Tree

The aims of the present study are to characterize seedling taxonomy and morphology, and seed germination process in Tamarindus indica. Seed germination was Sloanea type. The development of seedlings are recorded for 23 days up to 5th leaf stage. Hypoctyl and epicotyl are angular and terete in cross section respectively and epicotyl with zig-zag growth pattern. Paracotyledons are opposite, phanerocotylar, isocotylar, fleshy and persist up to 4th to 5th leaf stages. First leaf was opposite but second and subsequent leaves were alternate. Date of sowing, Date of germination, Date of appearance of Paracotyledons and different leaves, Total Observation Period, and Root : Shoot length ratio (RS value) have also been recorded. Results are found useful for the identification and differentiation of Tamarindus indiaca L. at seedling stage.