Karingali

Planted in the memory of Bhagat Singh on the occassion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

Overview & Habitat

Acacia catechu, commonly known as Khair or Cutch tree, is a fixture in arid landscapes.
The species has been an economic and medicinal cornerstone in many cultures for centuries.
Its role extends beyond utilitarian purposes, highlighting the complex interdependence between nature and human commerce.

Acacia catechu typically stands up to 12 m tall, with a diameter of up to 1 m.
Its bark is thick, brownish-gray, and deeply fissured, giving it an aged, weather-beaten appearance.
The wood is heavy, hard, and extremely durable, making it ideal for timber and extraction purposes.
The compound leaves are feathery, with about 50 leaflets per pinna, creating a soft, diffuse green that sways gently in the wind.
Despite its delicate appearance, the tree holds immense industrial and ecological significance.

The flowers of Acacia catechu are small, cream-colored, and clustered together in dense cylindrical spikes, blooming between February and April.
Individually inconspicuous, the flowers create a subtle spectacle of creamy white blooms, contrasting with the rough, rugged bark.
They have a faint, sweet fragrance, attracting a variety of pollinators, ensuring the tree’s reproductive success.

The fruit is a flat, brown pod about 5 to 7 cm in length, containing 3 to 10 seeds.
It ripens between October and December, hanging from the branches like miniature leather belts.
Once mature, the pods split open, releasing seeds that can survive in tough environmental conditions, showcasing Acacia catechu’s adaptability.

Acacia catechu belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of China.
It has undergone several reclassifications, with its current classification firmly in the genus Acacia, species catechu.
The plant’s botanical resilience, economic, and medicinal properties make it a subject of study for botanists and ethnopharmacologists.

The true value of Acacia catechu lies in its versatility.
The heartwood is the primary source of catechu, a brown dye and tanning agent traded for centuries.
Catechu is derived by boiling pieces of wood in water and evaporating the liquid to obtain a concentrated substance.
The extract is used in tanning leather, dyeing fabrics, and as a medicinal astringent.
Catechu is significant in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, used in treatments for sore throats, diarrhea, and skin ailments.
Acacia catechu is also important in soil conservation, planted in arid and semi-arid regions to prevent soil erosion and restore degraded lands.
The tree’s hardy nature and nitrogen-fixing ability contribute to its role in land restoration.
Acacia catechu has cultural significance, earning a place in local rituals and practices in regions where it grows.