Classification of the genus Acacia (in the wider sense) has been subject to considerable debate. It is generally agreed that there are valid reasons for breaking it up into several distinct genera, but there has been disagreement over the way this should be done. As of 2017, it is widely (but not completely) accepted that the section that includes the majority of the Australian species should retain the name Acacia, whilst other sections of the genus should be transferred to other genera. This species is transferred to Senegalia[].

Common Name: Chah

General Information

Senegalia lenticularis is a moderately thorny, small, deciduous tree[].
The tree is cultivated as a shade tree and also to provide food wood and fuel for local use[].

Known Hazards

Especially in times of drought, many Acacia species can concentrate high levels of the toxin Hydrogen cyanide in their foliage, making them dangerous for herbivores to eat.

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Pakistan, Nepal, India, south to Tamil Nadu

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	6.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A fast-growing tree that can produce high yields of timber and fuel with a rotation of 15 - 20 years[].
The tree can yield up to 1 kilo of gum annually[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Edible Uses

A gum exudes naturally from the trunk and branches. Very wholesome, though it is usually only eaten in times of scarcity[].

Medicinal

The bark of all Acacia species contains greater or lesser quantities of tannins and are astringent. Astringents are often used medicinally - taken internally, for example. they are used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery, and can also be helpful in cases of internal bleeding. Applied externally, often as a wash, they are used to treat wounds and other skin problems, haemorrhoids, perspiring feet, some eye problems, as a mouth wash etc[, ].
Many Acacia trees also yield greater or lesser quantities of a gum from the trunk and stems. This is sometimes taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea and haemorrhoids[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Used as a shade tree in tea plantations[].
The tree is often used in agroforestry systems within its native range in order to provide shade, to act as a boundary and also to provide nitrogen for crops such as wheat (Triticum species), maize (Zea mays), turmeric (Curcuma longa), ginger (Zingiber officinalis) and elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus sp.). It is an important tree for reclaiming degraded and abandoned agricultural lands because of its ability to improve soil properties, stabilize soils and conserve water[].

Other Uses

A gum exudes naturally from the trunk and branches[]. The gum is a tolerable substitute for the true gum-arabic (Vachellia nilotica), but the mucilage is weak, and the red colour often objectionable.

The wood is very hard[]. A good quality wood[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

The seed of most, if not all, members of this genus has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.
Acacia seeds that have matured fully on the bush and have been properly dried have a hard seed coat and can be stored in closed containers without deterioration for 5 - 10 years or more in dry conditions at ambient temperatures. It is best to remove the aril, which attracts weevils and can lead to moulds forming. The arils are easilyremoved by placing the seeds in water and rubbing them between the hands, then drying the seeds and winnowing them[].

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