Acacia catechu

Acacia catechu is a deciduous, thorny tree which grows up to 15 m (50 ft) in height. The tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and has been introduced to various other tropical regions. It is commonly known as catechu or black cutch.

Description

The Acacia catechu tree has a rough, dark brown bark. The leaves are bipinnate, with small leaflets. The flowers are pale yellow and the fruit is a flat brown pod.

Uses

The heartwood of Acacia catechu is used to extract catechu, a brown dye used in tanning and coloring fabrics. The extract, known as cutch, is used in traditional medicine for its astringent properties. The wood is also used for making furniture and tools.

Cultivation

Acacia catechu prefers dry regions and can tolerate poor soil conditions. It is often grown in plantations for its valuable wood and extract.

Ecology

The tree is a host plant for a variety of insects and birds. It is also a food source for several species of mammals.

See also

• List of Acacia species
• Catechu

References

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