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Acacia nilotica

Posted: July 23rd, 2013, 9:30 pm
by Hamad Ahmed Kisana
Botanical Name Acacia nilotica
Family Leguminosae/ Fabaceae - Mimosoideae
Genus Acacia
Specie nilotica
Local Name in Urdu کیکر،ببول
Common Name acacia, Egyptian mimosa, Egyptian thorn, red thorn. Babool and keekar in Pakistan, babul (in India).
Life Cycle perinnial
Cultivar Name
Fragrant or Not Yes slightly fragrant
Category(Bush/Vine/Tree) tree
Height 15-30 ft.
Spacing solitary tree
Flowering Months july
Flower Color Bright Yellow
Growing Areas all hot areas of Pakistan
Frost Tender yes
Exposure full sun
Soil pH tolerant
Propagation by seeds
Uses medicinal tree,wood is used as furniture
Other Details The Kikar or Babul tree is a member of the acacia family of trees, and the variety here in Pakistan is the Acacia nilotica. It can grow up to 12 meters tall and spreads its branches,Its flowers don’t have nectar, but bees love the pollen from its yellow flowers, which are used as decorations .It has a rough red-brown through to almost black bark, and large fern-like leaves, which are light green. In dry periods it loses its leaves and the seed pods become prominent.The bark and seeds of the tree contain tannin, and decoctions of these are used to stop diarrhea. The leaves and bark can also staunch bleeding. It is a tree used in medicine,and is supposed to be especially good for male problems.The gum from the kikar tree trunk and branches is used as a gargle to relieve sore throats and tonsillitis. It is also supposed to be a good aid to digestion.The bark and twigs of the Babul tree are used in Pakistan as toothbrushes as it whitens the teeth and strengthens the gums, and teeth. In this respect it is like the Neem tree.its wood is very hard and is used commonly in furniture and other accessories.
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Re: Acacia nilotica

Posted: July 24th, 2013, 5:53 am
by M Farooq
Excellent & informative entry!

Aren't the flowers fragrant? I vaguely recall very similar flowers to be fragrant (now it has been more than 15 years, I may be wrong). But according to web, the seed pods have a "sweet fragrance" if crushed, is it true?

Re: Acacia nilotica

Posted: July 24th, 2013, 6:20 am
by Munir
I also think, they do have slight fragrance.

Re: Acacia nilotica

Posted: July 24th, 2013, 6:34 am
by Hamad Ahmed Kisana
yes sir you both are right. 8-) i personally checked it has slight fragrance. error corrected thanks for proofreading.. :D