Acacia nilotica

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Acacia nilotica

(acacia)


A. nilotica varies from a shrubby tree with wide spreading crowns in savanna habitats (ssp. subalata, leiocarpa, adstringens, hemispherica and kraussiana), to a 20 meter tree (ssp. nilotica, tomentosa, and indica) in riverine situations. It is easily to recognized by it’s bright yellow flowers in round heads, straight stipular spines often slightly deflexed, and dark indehiscent pods compressed over the seeds. Flowering is prolific, and can occur a number of times in a season There are two very distinct ecological preferences in the African subspecies. Subspecies subalata, leiocarpa and adstringens occur in wooded grassland, savanna and dry scrub forests. Subspecies nilotica and tomentosa are restricted to riverine habitats and seasonally flooded areas. Subspecies kraussiana prefers dry grasslands and savannas, especially on compacted sandy loam, shallow granite or clay soils along drainages and rivers, but away from flooding.

The species is naturally widespread in the drier areas of Africa, from Senegal to Egypt and down to South Africa, and in Asia from Arabia eastwards to India, Burma and Sri Lanka. It has also been cultivated elsewhere, including Australia, Cape Verde islands, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Vietnam, and the West Indies. Since the time of the Pharoahs, large timber trees have been exploited from the riverine forests of the Nile. At present the Sudan forests are managed on a 20-30 year rotation producing termite resistant timber especially suitable for railway sleepers. In India and Pakistan riverine plantations are managed on a 15-20 year rotation for fuelwood and timber.

The dark brown wood is strong, durable, nearly twice as hard as teak, very shock resistant, and is used for construction, mine props, tool handles and carts. It is best carved in a green state. It has a high calorific value of 4950 kcal/kg, making excellent fuelwood and quality charcoal. It burns slow with little smoke when dry.

The bark of the tree has high levels of tannin which are used for tanning leathers. Ten year old trees yield 35-40 kg of bark. The pods have been used for tanning in Egypt for 6,000 years. The tannin also contributes to its medicinal use as a powerful astringent. It is also a powerful molluscicide and algicide. Fruits added to ponds in Sudan kill snail species which carry schistosomiasis without affecting the fish. The gum is used in paints and medicines and has been collected for a millennia. It has similar properties to gum arabic and is often used in calico printing in India. It is used for stomach upset and pain, the bark is chewed to protect against scurvy, an infusion is taken for dysentery and diarrhea. In Nigeria it is one of the standard drugs for treating diarrhea. It has also been used to eliminate stomach worms, as an antiseptic for open wounds and as an expectorant for treating coughs. The species has also been used in veterinary medicine, for example as a molluscicide to reduce liver-flukes in cattle

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Acacia Flowers
(Acacia senegal)
Folk Names
Cape Gum, Egyptian Thorn, Gum Arabic TreeGender
MasculineParts Used
Twigs, WoodPlanet
SunElement
AirDeities
Osiris, Astarte, Ishtar, Diana, RaPowers
Protection, Psychic PowersRitual Uses
The Wood is used as fuel in sacred fires in India, and is also used in building temples.Magickal Uses
A sprig of the tree placed over the bed wards off evil, as it does when tucked into the turban in Eastern countries.

When the wood is burned with Sandalwood, the psychic powers are stimulated.

Acacia is also used in money and love spells, although in the latter case the outcome would be a platonic love.

Specific Uses
Burn with Sandalwood during meditation to seek illumination and to develop the psychic powers. Carry the wood as a protection amulet.

Used in Offeratory incenses as well as in certain incenses to stimulate the psychic centers.

Also used in Dianic Rituals.