Cutch tree
Acacia catechu
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Pl. 5550 — Acacia catechu
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IOverview
Overview
The Cutch tree (Acacia catechu) is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the Assam region of India and neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, China South-Central, East Himalaya, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Thailand. Known for its versatility, it thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). This tree reaches a height of 15 meters and is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its edible inner bark. Its hardiness ranges from zone 10-12, indicating it can withstand mild frost.
Quick answers
What is Cutch tree?
The Cutch tree (Acacia catechu) is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to the Assam region of India and neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, China South-Central, East Himalaya, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Thailand.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Cutch tree thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It prefers dry to moist conditions and is hardy in zones 10-12. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains well-drained but not overly wet. This tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and is native to regions such as Assam, Bangladesh, China South-Central, East Himalaya, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Thailand. The inner bark of the Cutch tree is edible.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cutch tree for the first time
7steps
Start with a Cutch tree to experience growing a hardy, versatile plant.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young saplings, a pot if container gardening, and basic tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warming up after winter.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young saplings in pots. Plant at the same depth as they were before.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and place in a sunny spot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure, water when dry, and ensure good drainage. Prune lightly to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young shoots for use as an edible part or to encourage bushy growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner bark
Edible uses: The inner bark of the Cutch tree (Acacia catechu) is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often used dried or ground into a powder for flavoring dishes. The bark can also be steeped to make a tea.
Other uses:Animal feedTanninNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 3 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 10 native· 3 introduced
Asia8 regions
native (7)BangladeshChinaIndiaMyanmarNepalPakistanThailand
introduced (1)China
Broader regions
native:West Himalaya, East Himalaya
introduced:Northern Territory, Jawa
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 5550c676-8594-46f5-b3af-1f8c172a9cb4
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