Acacia catechu

Acacia catechu is a deciduous, thorny tree which grows up to 15m in height.^[2] Common names for it include Catechu, Cachou and Black Cutch. It is found in Asia, China, India and the Indian Ocean area.^[1]

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Uses

Food

The tree's seeds are a good source of protein.^[3]

Fodder

Branches of the tree are quite often cut for goat fodder and are sometimes fed to cattle.^[3]

Wood

The tree is often planted for use as firewood and its wood is highly valued for furniture and tools.^[2] The wood has a density of about 0.88 g/cm³.^[4]

Other uses

Its heartwood extract is used in dyeing, leather tanning, as a preservative for fishing nets, for medicine and as a viscosity regulator for oil drilling.^[2]

Cultivation

The tree can be propagated by planting its seeds, which are soaked in hot water first. After about six months in a nursery, the seedlings can be planted in the field. ^[2]

Botanical varieties

• Acacia catechu var. sundra (L.f.) Willd.^[5]

See also

• Catechu

References

1. ^ ^{a b} International Legume Database & Information Service (ILDIS)
2. ^ ^{a b c d} www.fao.org
3. ^ ^{a b} World AgroForestry Database
4. ^ FAO Appendix 1
5. ^ hear.org