Acacia catechu

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

Food
The tree's seeds are a good source of protein.

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

Medicinal uses
More specifically, the extract is used to treat sore throats and diarrhoea.

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

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.

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.

Botanical varieties

 * Acacia catechu var. sundra (L.f.) Willd.