Senegalia catechu

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, hence the name was Latinized to "catechu" in Linnaean taxonomy, as the type-species from which the extracts cutch and catechu are derived.[6] Common names for it include kher,[7] catechu, cachou, cutchtree, black cutch, and black catechu.

Senegalia catechu
Scientific classification Edit this 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
Binomial name
Senegalia catechu
(L.f.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb.
Varieties
  • Senegalia catechu var. catechu (L.f.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb.
  • Senegalia catechu var. sundra (L.f.) Willd.[2]
Range of Senegalia catechu
Synonyms[3]
Catechu

Senegalia catechu is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand and China (Yunnan).[1]

Pollens of Senegalia catechu

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

Food
Senegalia catechu flowers

The tree's seeds are a good source of protein.[8] Kattha (catechu), an extract of its heartwood, is used as an ingredient to give red color and typical flavor to paan. Paan is an Indian and Southeast Asian tradition of chewing betel leaf (Piper betle) with areca nut and slaked lime paste.

Fodder

Branches of the tree are quite often cut for goat fodder and are sometimes fed to cattle.[3][8][9]

Folk medicine

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
Senegalia catechu trunks

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

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
Senegalia catechu pods

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]

  • Plantlings
    Plantlings
  • Acacia catechu plantlings
    Acacia catechu plantlings

See also

References
  1. Plummer, J. (2021). "Senegalia catechu". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T169300001A169300339. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
  2. hear.org
  3. International Legume Database & Information Service (ILDIS)
  4. "www.fao.org". Archived from the original on 2019-02-10. Retrieved 2007-04-19.
  5. www.haryana-online.com Archived 2011-02-03 at the Wayback Machine
  6. http://www.yourdictionary.com/catechu Derivation of word from Malay
  7. 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.
  8. "World AgroForestry Database". Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-05-08.
  9. 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
  10. "Plant Details". envis.frlht.org. Retrieved 2014-10-04.
  11. British Pharmacopoeia, Department of Health, British Pharmacopoeia Commission, London. The Stationery Office, (1999)
  12. FAO Appendix 1
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