Acacia catechu

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Acacia catechu
File:Koeh-003.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Mimosoideae
Genus: Acacia
Species: A. catechu
Binomial name
Acacia catechu
(L.) Willd., Oliv.
Range of Acacia catechu
Range of Acacia catechu
Synonyms

Acacia catechu is a deciduous, thorny tree which grows up to 15m in height.[2] Common names for it include Catechu, Cachou and Black Cutch. It is found in Asia, China, India and the Indian Ocean area.[1]

Uses

Food

The tree's seeds are a good source of protein.[3]

Fodder

Branches of the tree are quite often cut for goat fodder and are sometimes fed to cattle.

Wood

The tree is often planted for use as firewood and its wood is highly valued for furniture and tools.[2] The wood has a density of about 0.88 g/cm³.[4]

Other uses

Its heartwood extract is used in dyeing, leather tanning, as a preservative for fishing nets, for medicine and as a viscosity regulator for oil drilling.[2]

Cultivation

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. [2]

Botanical varieties

See also

References

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Template:China-stub Template:India-stub

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br:gwez-kachou de:Gerber-Akazie et:Beetliakaatsia