Acacia: The Versatile Tree Shaping Ecosystems and Cultures

Introduction

Babu’s bark and gum are quite popular and are also sold as medicine. Actually, Babulis grown in deserts (marnbhoomi). Its leaves are very small and stipule get converted into thorns. There are many thorny plants in nature but Babuld has got quite a good amount of recognition and has been mentioned in our literature. all across India, both, wild and cultivated trees of Babulare commonly found. In summer,

the trees bear yellowish flowers which grow in round

bunches and in winters the tree bears pod.

Chemical Composition

The bark has 6-12 percent bitter chemicals and the pod contains 12-19% tannin. The bark also releases a chemical which is known as babul gum. Actual gum, Arabic, is extracted from Senegal plant which is imported from Arabian countries and Africa. Indian gum is round or oblong, around ½ an inch, in light yellow or dark brown crystal form which is completely soluble in water.

Properties

It cures kapla and pitta. Its gum is atta pitta shamak, cures urinary disorders, swelling, pain and bleeding of uterus. It has a binding effect on stools. It promotes physical strength. The pod is anthelmintic, anti-dermatoses and relieves burning sensation.

Medicinal Used

Eye disorders: Grind its soft leaves and put 1-2 drops of the extract in the eyes, or tie it with woman’s milk on the eyes. It cures swelling and pain in eyes.

Stomatitis

Gargle 2-3 times with decoction of its bark. It helps cure mouth disorders. Also, sucking a piece of gum is beneficial in curing mouth disorders.

Toothache:

1. Burn the peel of its pod and almonds and brush with the ash. It cures tooth ache.
2. Use the soft branches to brush the teeth. It strengthens the teeth and cures all types of tooth infections.
3. Take equal quantities of its bark, flowers, leaves and pods. Grind them all and use the powder to brush the teeth.
4. Use the decoction of its bark to gargle. It cures the infection of teeth

2. Types of Acacia Trees:

• Acacia senegal: Known for producing gum arabic, a substance used in food and medicine.
• Acacia nilotica (Gum Arabic Tree): Common in Africa and India, used for tannins, gum, and medicinal purposes.
• Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle): Found in Australia, with beautiful yellow flowers used in ornamental gardening.
• Acacia koa: Native to Hawaii and prized for its hardwood, used in making furniture and musical instruments.

3. Ecological Role:

• Nitrogen Fixation: Acacias form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots. This allows them to thrive in poor soils and improves soil fertility.
• Habitat: Acacias provide shelter and food for numerous animals, including birds and insects. Some species, like the whistling thorn (Acacia drepanolobium), have a mutualistic relationship with ants, where ants live inside hollow thorns and protect the tree from herbivores.

4. Economic Uses:

• Gum Arabic: Acacia trees, particularly Acacia senegal, produce gum arabic, which is used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
• Timber: Some species, such as Acacia koa and Acacia melanoxylon, produce high-quality hardwood used in furniture, flooring, and instruments.
• Medicinal Uses: Various Acacia species have traditional medicinal uses, including treating coughs, diarrhea, and inflammation. Bark and resin extracts are used in herbal remedies.

5. Cultural Significance:

• In ancient Egypt, Acacia was associated with immortality and was used in religious rituals and burials.
• The wood of Acacia is mentioned in the Bible as the material used for constructing the Ark of the Covenant.

6. Adaptations:

• Acacias are highly drought-tolerant and can survive in arid environments. Their ability to store water in their roots and withstand harsh climates makes them suited for savannas and deserts.
• Some species have developed defenses like thorns and toxic compounds in their leaves to deter herbivores.