Senegalia senegal (also known as Acacia senegal) is a small thorny deciduous tree from the genus Senegalia, which is known by several common names, including gum acacia, gum arabic tree, Sudan gum and Sudan gum arabic. In parts of India, it is known as Kher or Khor.[2] It is native to semi-desert regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Oman, Pakistan, west coastal India. It grows to a height of 5–12 metres (16-40′), with a trunk up to 30 cm (1′) in diameter.[3] Sudan 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 Red acacia or talah gum.[4]
The tree is of great economic importance for the gum arabic it produces which 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 (7 to 10 oz). Eighty percent of the world’s gum arabic is produced in Sudan.[5] The Chauhatan area of Barmer district in Rajasthan is also famous for gum production, this is called कुम्मट[6] (Kummat) in local language there.
New foliage is very useful as forage.[7] Leaves and pods of S. senegal are browsed by domestic and wild ruminants.[8]
New foliage is very useful as forage.[7] Leaves and pods of S. senegal are browsed by domestic and wild ruminants.[8]
Leave a reply
