Acacia Catechu

The drug known as catechu is principally prepared from this tree, the wood of which is boiled down, and the decoction subsequently evaporated so as to form an extract much used as an astringent. The acacias are very numerous, and yield many useful products.



Gum arabic is produced by several species, as _A. vera_, _A. arabica_, _A. adansonii_, _A. verek_, and others. It is obtained by spontaneous exudation from the trunk and branches, or by incisions made in the bark, from whence it flows in a liquid state, but soon hardens by exposure to the air. The largest quantity of the gum comes from Barbary. Gum senegal is produced by _A. vera_. By some it is thought that the timber of _A. arabica_ is identical with the Shittim tree, or wood of the Bible. From the flowers of _A. farnesiana_ a choice and delicious perfume is obtained, the chief ingredient in many valued "balm of a thousand flowers." The pods of _A. concinna_ are used in India as a soap for washing; the leaves are used for culinary purposes, and have a peculiarly agreeable acid taste. The seeds of some species are used, when cooked, as articles of food. From the seeds of _A. niopo_ the Guahibo Indians prepare a snuff, by roasting the seeds and pounding them in a wooden platter. Its effects are to produce a kind of intoxication and invigorate the spirits. The bark of several species is extensively used for tanning, and the timber, being tough and elastic, is valuable for the manufacture of machinery and other purposes where great strength and durability are requisite.

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