Senegalia catechu
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
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Binomial name | |
Senegalia catechu (L.f.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb.
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Varieties | |
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Range of Senegalia catechu | |
Synonyms[3] | |
![](http://178.128.105.246/content-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/Catechu.jpg/220px-Catechu.jpg)
Senegalia catechu, previously known as Acacia catechu, is a deciduous, thorny tree which grows up to 15 m (50 ft) in height.[4] The plant is called khair [5] in Hindi, and kachu in Malay; the Malay name was Latinized to "catechu" in Linnaean taxonomy, as the species from which the extracts cutch and catechu are derived.[6] Other common names for it include kher,[7] catechu, cachou, cutchtree, black cutch, and black catechu.
Senegalia catechu is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Cambodia and China (Yunnan).[1]
![](http://178.128.105.246/content-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Black-cutch1.jpg/220px-Black-cutch1.jpg)
Through derivatives of the flavanols in its extracts, the species has lent its name to the important catechins, catechols and catecholamines of chemistry and biology.
Uses
[edit]Food
[edit]![](http://178.128.105.246/content-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Khair_%28Acacia_catechu%29_flowers_at_Hyderabad%2C_AP_W_IMG_7261.jpg/220px-Khair_%28Acacia_catechu%29_flowers_at_Hyderabad%2C_AP_W_IMG_7261.jpg)
The tree's seeds are a good source of protein.[8] Kattha (catechu), an extract of its heartwood, gives a characteristic flavor and red color to paan, a traditional Indian and Southeast Asian method for chewing betel leaf (Piper betle) with areca nut and slaked lime paste.
Fodder
[edit]Branches of the tree are quite often cut for goat fodder and are sometimes fed to cattle.[3][8][9]
Folk medicine
[edit]The heartwood, bark, and wood extract (called catechu) are used in traditional medicine.[4][10] The concentrated aqueous extract, known as khayer gum or cutch, is astringent.[11]
Wood
[edit]![](http://178.128.105.246/content-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/Khair_%28Acacia_catechu%29_trunk_at_Hyderabad%2C_AP_W_IMG_7264.jpg/220px-Khair_%28Acacia_catechu%29_trunk_at_Hyderabad%2C_AP_W_IMG_7264.jpg)
The tree is often planted for use as firewood and charcoal and its wood is highly valued for furniture and tools.[4] The wood has a density of about 0.88 g/cm3.[12]
Other uses
[edit]Its heartwood extract is used in dyeing and leather tanning, as a preservative for fishing nets, and as a viscosity regulator for oil drilling.[4] Its flowers are a good source of nectar and pollen for bees.
Cultivation
[edit]![](http://178.128.105.246/content-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0a/Khair_%28Acacia_catechu%29_leaves_%26_fruits_at_Hyderabad%2C_AP_W_IMG_7263.jpg/220px-Khair_%28Acacia_catechu%29_leaves_%26_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]
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Plantlings
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Senegalia catechu plantlings
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Plummer, J. (2021). "Senegalia catechu". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T169300001A169300339. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
- ^ hear.org
- ^ a b International Legume Database & Information Service (ILDIS)
- ^ a b c d e "www.fao.org". Archived from the original on 2019-02-10. Retrieved 2007-04-19.
- ^ www.haryana-online.com Archived 2011-02-03 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ http://www.yourdictionary.com/catechu Derivation of word from Malay
- ^ Ujwala, T. K.; Tomy, Shawn; Celine, Sandra; Chander, J. Sam Johnson Udaya (2015). "A Systematic Review of Some Potential Anti-Diabetic Herbs Used in India Characterized by Its Hypoglycemic Activity". International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 6 (12): 4940–4957. ProQuest 1747402306.
- ^ a b "World AgroForestry Database". Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-05-08.
- ^ Heuzé V., Tran G., Hassoun P., Lebas F., 2018. Black cutch (Senegalia catechu). Feedipedia, a programme by INRA, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. https://www.feedipedia.org/node/354 Last updated on February 9, 2018, 13:20
- ^ "Plant Details". envis.frlht.org. Retrieved 2014-10-04.
- ^ British Pharmacopoeia, Department of Health, British Pharmacopoeia Commission, London. The Stationery Office, (1999)
- ^ FAO Appendix 1
External links
[edit]Media related to Senegalia catechu at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Acacia catechu at Wikispecies
Media related to Senegalia catechu at Wikimedia Commons