Black Cat Fruit

The black tamarind or dialium-guineense is a species that is part of the legume family. It is found in West and Central Africa; and is known as "Solom" in Senegal, "Chat noir" in Ivory Coast, “Môké” in Guinea, “Assisouin” in Benin, “Attitoè” in Togo and “Velvet tamarind” in English.

The tree is on average 30m high with a dense green crown. The leaves are hairy and the flowers are whitish. Its fruit is wrapped in black velvet and inside, a slightly acidulous and sweet brown-orange pulp.

'Solom' is very rich in glucose, fructose, iron, magnesium, copper and proteins. It has countless therapeutic virtues:

It increases lactation and prevents or treats genital infections;
The powdered leaves are consumed, act as a powerful remineralizer and improve the health of the genitals of men and women (traditional and leg remedy, no studies have been conducted to demonstrate this);
The aqueous extract of the plant is traditionally used for gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, ulcers, hemorrhoids) and respiratory infections (bronchitis, severe cough);
The branches act as toothpicks.