Acacia polyacantha
| Acacia polyacantha | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Acacia |
| Species: | A. polyacantha |
| Binomial name | |
| Acacia polyacantha Willd.[1] |
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| Synonyms | |
Acacia 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 Acacia polyacantha subsp. campylacantha (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Brenan 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
A. 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
Subspecies
- Acacia polyacantha subsp. campylacantha (A.Rich.) Brenan[6]
- Acacia polyacantha subsp. polyacantha[7]
References
- ^ a b ILDIS LegumeWeb(ILDIS)
- ^ a b c d e f PlantzAfrica
- ^ 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 November 10, 2012.
- ^ a b c Uhlig, Siegbert (2003). Encyclopaedia Aethiopica: A-C. Harrassowitz Verlag. p. 66. ISBN 3447047461. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
- ^ Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- ^ ILDIS LegumeWeb Acacia polyacantha subsp. campylacantha
- ^ ILDIS LegumeWeb Acacia polyacantha subsp. polyacantha
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External links
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