Famous in Indian cuisine, is native to the dry regions of Asia and tropical Africa. The fruiting pods are heavily seeded and provide a tart/sweet sticky pulp that is prized as an ingredient for curries, chutneys, soups, and drinks. It has also been very important in Asian culture in uses for dyes, medicine and timber with beautiful tan woods that are very durable and prized for furniture. A great tree for landscape in hot areas.