Black Catechu (Senegalia catechu)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Found in Asia, China, India, and the Indian Ocean area, Senegalia catechu or known for various common names such as Black Catechu, Kher, Catechu, Cachou, Cutchtree, and Black Cutch is a spiny deciduous tree growing up to 15 m tall and 50 cm in bole diameter. It has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria that form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Flowering commence when trees are 5-7 years old.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Catechu, obtained from the heartwood (see Other Uses below) is an indispensible ingredient of 'paan', a slightly narcotic chewing mixture containing betel leaf (Piper betle) and betel palm seed (Areca spp.) . — Catechu, obtained from the heartwood (see Other Uses below) is an indispensible ingredient of 'paan', a slightly narcotic chewing mixture containing betel leaf (Piper betle) and betel palm seed (Areca spp.).; The seeds contain water-soluble mucilage (6.8%); they are a good protein source but are nutritionally incomplete with respect to essential amino acids.

Habitat & North American Range

Open, drier areas mostly on well drained soil types, but also on shallow, poor, rocky soils. Mixed deciduous forests and savannah of lower mountains and hills. Especially common in the drier regions on sandy soils of riverbanks and watersheds. (Zone 10)