Importance of Babul Tree
Babul (Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Delile) is a medium sized, thorny, nearly evergreen tree that can reach a height of 20-25 m but may remain a shrub in poor growing conditions (Ecocrop, 2012; Orwa et al., 2009; Fagg et al., 2005). The trunk is short, thick (1 m in diameter) and cylindrical, covered with grey bark. The crown may be flattened or rounded. The root system depends on the growing conditions and subspecies: a deep taproot in dry conditions and extensive lateral roots in flooded conditions. The leaves are 5-15 cm long, alternate and compound with 7 to 36 pairs of elliptical, 1.5-7 mm long x 0.5-2 mm broad, grey-green, hairy leaflets. Flowers are sweetly scented and bright to golden yellow in colour. The fruits are linear, flattened, narrow indehiscent pods, 4-22 cm long and 1-2 cm broad, dark-brown to grey in colour and glabrous or velvety. The pods contain 8 to 15 elliptical, flattened bean-shaped dark seeds (Orwa et al., 2009; Cook et al., 2005; Fagg et al., 2005). There are two groups of Acacia nilotica subspecies. The first group (nilotica, tomentosa, cupressiformis, indica) consists of tall riverine trees that grow in seasonally flooded areas. Their pods have a characteristic “necklace” shape with constrictions between the seeds. The second group (adstringens, kraussiana, leiocarpa, subalata) grows in drier areas and has straight-edged pods (Ndoye-Ndir et al., 2008).
Also known as gum Arabic tree, Babul is a small tree species native to Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Babul tree is useful as herb in India due to its immense medicinal benefits as well as other utilities.
Scientifically known as Vachellia Nilotica, the Babul Tree is in the Fabaceae or Leguminosae family, which basically means that the tree belongs to the legume, bean or pea family. It is a flowering plant with multiple medicinal benefits and usage in daily life.
Taxonomy of Babul Tree
Originally, the Babul Tree was the type species of the Acacia genus, which is derived from the Greek word for its characteristic thorns. Known by varied names in different languages, the Babul Tree is known as Babul or Kikar in Hindi, Babla in Bengali and Karuvelam in both Tamil and Malayalam. And in Telugu, the Babul Tree is known as Natta Tuma.
Tooth-Brushing
The tender twig of the Babul Tree is used as a toothbrush in south-east Africa, Pakistan and India.
Medicinal Uses
The leaves, bark, gum and pods of the Babul Tree are used for medicinal purposes. The tender growing tops and leaves are used as a douche in cases of gonorrhoea, dropsy and leucorrhoea. Pulp of leaves, decoction of bark and the gum are prescribed in diarrhoea, dysentery and diabetes. A paste made of the burnt leaves with coconut oil makes a very efficacious ointment in cases of itch. The leaves and the gum are used for gargling for relaxing sore throat and spongy gums. Decoction of leaves is also used as wash for bleeding ulcers and wounds.
