tamarind is a tree propagated through seed an now it is sucessfully propagated through air layering.( www.baif.org.in/doc/Agri_Horti_Forestry/Tamarind.do). It will not produce rhizome and may be you are referring another plant.
Indian Institute of Spices Research [ http://www.spices.res.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=77 ] possesses world's largest germplasm collection in various spices. Germplasm collection conserved in germplasm conservatory and in vitro gene banks. Number of Turmeric accessions: 899.