Kushtia:A nearly 300-year-old rare tamarind tree in Kushtia, known for its unique red fruit and colonial-era legacy, is currently facing the threat of extinction due to a lack of conservation, scientific research, and propagation efforts. The tree, which stands alongside two ordinary tamarind trees in Hijlabat village under Osmanpur union of Khoksa upazila, has become a local attraction, drawing visitors, tourists, and researchers from across the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the fruits of this unusual tree exhibit a vivid vermilion-red color that resembles blood when raw, distinguishing them from ordinary tamarinds. However, as the fruit ripens, the distinctive color fades, eventually resembling common tamarinds.
The tree's history traces back to the British colonial period, with local residents recounting that it was planted by British indigo planters. Despite the erosion of the nearby indigo settlement by the Gorai River, remnants of the old indigo factory and the three ancient tamarind trees remain as reminders of the colonial past.
Hektam Ali Sheikh, an 88-year-old village resident, shared that his father learned about the tree's history from his grandfather. He emphasized the tree's uniqueness in Bangladesh and called for government initiatives to preserve it as a valuable natural and historical heritage.
Local journalist Mahmudul Hasan noted that of the three trees, only one produces the red-fleshed tamarinds, while the others bear ordinary varieties. Despite being damaged by a storm, these trees continue to attract visitors, turning the site into a small tourist destination.
Experts suggest that preserving the trees and collecting suitable planting materials could protect this rare genetic resource. Both government and private efforts are needed to conduct scientific studies, develop propagation methods, and encourage wider cultivation if the variety proves commercially viable.
Local residents urge the government to protect the trees, enhance the surrounding area, and develop visitor facilities to preserve the site as a historical and natural attraction. Without timely conservation and scientific research, this extraordinary variety might disappear, taking with it a unique piece of Kushtia's natural and historical heritage.
Abdullah Al Noman, agriculture officer of Khoksa upazila, stated that necessary measures will be taken to preserve the historic tamarind trees, highlighting the urgency of initiatives to propagate these living witnesses to history.