| Senegalia catechu | |
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Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Caesalpinioideae |
| Clade: | Mimosoid clade |
| Genus: | Senegalia |
| Species: | S. catechu |
| Binomial name | |
| Senegalia catechu (L.f.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb. | |
| Varieties | |
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| Range ofSenegalia catechu | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
Senegalia catechu, previously known asAcacia catechu, is a deciduous, thorny tree which grows up to 15 m (50 ft) in height.[4] The plant is calledkachu in Malay; the Malay name was Latinized to "catechu" inLinnaean taxonomy, as the species from which the extractscutch andcatechu are derived.[5] Other common names for it includekher,[6]catechu,cachou,cutchtree,black cutch, andblack catechu.
Senegalia catechu is native toSouth Asia andSoutheast Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Cambodia and China (Yunnan).[1]
Through derivatives of theflavanols in its extracts, the species has lent its name to the importantcatechins,catechols andcatecholamines of chemistry and biology.
_flowers_at_Hyderabad%2c_AP_W_IMG_7261.jpg)
The tree's seeds are a good source ofprotein.[7] Kattha (catechu), an extract of its heartwood, gives a characteristic flavor and red color topaan, a traditional Indian and Southeast Asian method for chewingbetel leaf (Piper betle) withareca nut and slaked lime paste.
Branches of the tree are quite often cut forgoatfodder and are sometimes fed tocattle.[3][7][8]
Theheartwood, bark, and woodextract (calledcatechu) are used intraditional medicine.[4][9] The concentrated aqueous extract, known as khayer gum or cutch, isastringent.[10]
_trunk_at_Hyderabad%2c_AP_W_IMG_7264.jpg)
The tree is often planted for use asfirewood and charcoal and its wood is highly valued for furniture and tools.[4] The wood has a density of about 0.88 g/cm3.[11]
Itsheartwoodextract is used indyeing andleathertanning, as apreservative forfishing nets, and as aviscosity regulator foroil drilling.[4] Its flowers are a good source of nectar and pollen for bees.
_leaves_%2526_fruits_at_Hyderabad%2c_AP_W_IMG_7263.jpg)
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.[4]
_leaves_%2526_flowers_at_Hyderabad%2c_AP_W_IMG_7262.jpg)
Media related toSenegalia catechu at Wikimedia Commons
Data related toAcacia catechu at Wikispecies Media related toSenegalia catechu at Wikimedia CommonsAuthority control databases: National |
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