Acacia Catechu
Description : Acacia catechu, commonly known as the Kutch Tree or Catechu Tree, is a deciduous tree native to India and Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its thorny branches, feathery leaves, and small, yellowish flower clusters. The tree is valued for its heartwood, which is used to produce catechu, a natural extract with various applications.
- Medicinal Benefits :
- The heartwood extract, known as catechu, has astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and sore throats.
- The bark is used in traditional medicine for its wound-healing and antimicrobial properties.
- Leaves are used to treat fevers and skin disorders.
- The gum is used as a demulcent and in treating coughs and colds.
- Other Uses
- Catechu extract is used as a dye in the leather and textile industries.
- The wood is hard and durable, used for making furniture, agricultural tools, and construction.
- The tree is planted for soil stabilization and erosion control.
- The seeds are used as animal fodder.
Suitable Climate Condition : Acacia catechu thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates with temperatures between 20°C and 35°C (68°F to 95°F). It prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils and can tolerate dry, poor soil conditions. The tree requires moderate rainfall, typically between 600 to 1200 mm annually, and is highly drought-tolerant, making it suitable for arid and semi-arid regions. It grows well in full sun.