| Senegalia catechu | |
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Scientific classification 
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| 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] | |
Senegalia 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 type-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, Thailand and China (Yunnan).[1]
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]
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]
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]
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 -
Acacia 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
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