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This Gum Acacia tree was photographed at Taljai hill, Pune is a small deciduous Acacia tree known by the common names Rfaudraksha, Gum Acacia, Gum Arabic Tree, or Gum Senegal Tree. It is native to semi-desert regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Oman, Pakistan, and northwestern India. It grows to a height of 5-12m, with a trunk up to 30 cm in diameter.[1] A. senegal is the source of the world's highest quality gum arabic, known locally as hashab gum in contrast to the related, but inferior, gum arabic from A. seyal or talh gum.[2]
Uses Gum arabic The tree is of great economic importance for the gum arabic it produces to be is used as a food additive, in crafts, and as a cosmetic. The gum is drained from cuts in the bark, and an individual tree will yield 200 to 300 grams. Seventy percent of the world's gum arabic is produced in Sudan. Forage New foliage is very useful as forage.[3] Food Dried seeds are used as food by humans.[3] Agriculture Like other Acacia species, A. senegal fixes nitrogen within Rhizobia or nitrogen-fixing bacteria living in root nodules.[2] This nitrogen fixation enriches the poor soils where it is grown, allowing for the rotation of other crops in naturally nutrient-poor regions.  Acacia senegal Traditional uses It is reportedly used as for its astringent properties, to treat bleeding, bronchitis, diarrhea, gonorrhea, leprosy, typhoid fever and upper respiratory tract infections.[3] Rope Roots near the surface of the ground are quite useful in making all kinds of very strong ropes and cords. The tree bark is also used to make rope.[3] Wood Handles for tools, parts for weaving looms.[3] Botanical variations References Notes - ↑ World Agroforestry Centre
- ↑ a b
- ↑ a b c d e Purdue University
- ↑ a b c FAO
General references Van Wyk, Ben-Erik (2005). Food Plants of the World. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, Inc. ISBN 0-88192-743-0 External links az:Seneqal akasiyas bm:D nk ri ca:Acacia senegal da:Gummi-Akacie de:Verek-Akazie et:Kummiakaatsia es:Acacia senegal eo:Senegala akacio fr:Acacia S n gal gl:Acacia do Senegal hi: rw:Umukonji pl:Akacja senegalska pt:Acacia senegal ro:Acacia senegal ru: so:Cadaad tr:Arap zamk zh:
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