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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