Senegalia polyacantha, also known as white thorn, is a flowering tree which can grow up to 25m tall. Polyacantha has the meaning "many thorns" in Latin.[2] The tree is native to Africa, India, the Indian Ocean and Asia, but it has also been introduced to the Caribbean.[1]
Uses
Repellent uses
The root of Senegalia polyacantha subsp. campylacantha emits chemical compounds that repel animals including rats, snakes and crocodiles.[2]
Gum
The tree's gum is used in the manufacture of candy.[2]
Medicinal purposes
Senegalia polycantha's roots and perhaps its bark have medicinal uses. The root extract is useful for snakebites[2] and is applied to wash the skin of children who are agitated at night time.[2] The root is also used for treating gonorrhea,[3] venereal diseases,[4] dysentery[4] and gastrointestinal disorders.[4]
Tannin
The bark is useful for tanning.[2]
Wood
The tree's primary use is for wood.[5]
References
- ^ a b ILDIS LegumeWeb(ILDIS)
- ^ a b c d e f PlantZAfrica.com
- ^ van der Maesen, L. J. G.; van der Burgt, X. M.; van Medenbach de Rooy, J. M. (1996). The Biodiversity of African Plants. Springer Science+Business Media. p. 254. ISBN 0792340957. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
- ^ a b c Uhlig, Siegbert (2003). Encyclopaedia Aethiopica: A-C. Harrassowitz Verlag. p. 66. ISBN 3447047461. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
- ^ Speedy, Andrew. "Acacia polyacantha". www.fao.org. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
External links
Media related to Senegalia polyacantha at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Senegalia polyacantha at Wikispecies- Acacia polyacantha in West African plants – A Photo Guide.
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