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.