Khair Tree

Senegalia catechu

Name

Marathi: खैर

Biological Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Spermatophyta
Sub-Division: Angiospermae
Class: Dicotyledonae
Sub-Class: Polypetalae
Series: Calyciflorae
Order: Rosales
Family: Leguminosae
Sub-Family: Mimosaceae
Genus: Senegalia
Species: catechu

Advantages

  • It produces fibres called Catechu or Kath, which is used as a mordant along with other colouring stuff.
  • It is eaten along with the leaves of Piper Betle which is commonly called as Paan.
  • It is also used as an astringent and applied to boils and ulcers.
  • It is obtained by boiling the heart wood with water.

Interesting Facts

Khersal or Catechuic Acid is found in the cavities of the wood.

Description

  • It is a small tree with bipinnate leaves.
  • The flowers are pale yellow in colour and appear in the months of August and September.
  • Senegalia catechu (L.f.) Willd.