Senegalia catechu

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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, 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 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.[5] Other common names for it include kher,[6] 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]

Pollen from 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

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Food

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Senegalia catechu flowers

The tree's seeds are a good source of protein.[7] 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

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Branches of the tree are quite often cut for goat fodder and are sometimes fed to cattle.[3][7][8]

Folk medicine

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The heartwood, bark, and wood extract (called catechu) are used in traditional medicine.[4][9] The concentrated aqueous extract, known as khayer gum or cutch, is astringent.[10]

Wood

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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.[11]

Other uses

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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

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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
  • Senegalia catechu plantlings
    Senegalia catechu plantlings

See also

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References

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