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A central objective of plant ecology is to understand the causes of patterns in the
distribution and abundance of species. Thus, ecophysical studies provide an important impetus to
the understanding of the mechanisms that underlies species differences in distribution and habitat
competitive ability. Tamarindus indica is native to the dry savanna of tropical Africa. Although
improved varieties have not been developed, local farmers usually identify “mother trees” that
consistently produce large quantity of fruits to collect seeds for planting. Identifying good quality
and adequate seed source is imperative for enhanced silviculture of the species both by individual
farmers and government agencies concerned with plantation development. Field assessment of the
variability in fruit characteristics of Tamarindus indica was carried out in three sites (Maiduguri,
Kano and Minna) in the savanna zone of Nigeria. The aim was to recommend a good seed source for
its plantation development with a view to evaluate the early growth characteristics of the seeds in
the nursery. Minna site had significantly (p< 0.05) higher pod length (12.1cm) than Maiduguri
(9.9cm) and Kano (10.4cm) sites. With respect to number of seeds per pod and seed weight the
average number of seeds per pod was significantly (p<0.0) higher in Kano (9.2) than in Maiduguri
and Minna sites which were not significantly different. In terms of seed weight, Minna site has
significantly higher (46.5g) seed weight than those of Maiduguri (40.6g) and Kano (41g) sites. The
difference in seed weight between Maiduguri and Kano sites was however not significant (p>0.05).
The mean germination time (MGT) was higher for seeds from Minna site (8.8 days) than those of
Maiduguri (8.6 days) and Kano (8.6 days). Also seeds from Kano site has significantly (P<0.05)
higher germination percent (64%) than those of Maiduguri (62.6%) and Mina (55.6%) sites.
With respect to the seedling growth parameter, Maiduguri site has a significantly(P<0.05) higher
seedling height (23.2cm) than those of Kano (19.6cm) and Minna (19.6cm) sites. In general, fruit
production of parkland trees may be highly variable within species as a result of genetic and
environmental factors. It can be inferred from this study that in selecting provenances to improve
character of Tamarindus indica, particularly for fast growth rate in ealier plantation development, then Maiduguri site would be a suitable seed source.
Key words: Fruit variation, germination, seedling vigour, geographic location