Acacia Senegal: Medicinal Properties and More About This Tree
Acacia Senegal is considered a plant with compelling uses. The properties of this tree are widely used for many purposes. Below we will see some compelling features of Acacia Senegal, as well as its habitat and other things.
It is vital to take into account that this plant grows in different parts of the world and that it tolerates heat very well; therefore, it is able to survive in dry regions. So let’s learn a little more about Acacia Senegal and all the benefits it brings.
Because it belongs to the genus Acacia, it is related to the cave acacia. Both belong to the legume family and for this reason are considered to belong to the same family.
Description of the Senegalese Acacia
He Senegalese acacia tree It measures between five and twelve meters in height. In reality, most acacias reach an average height of this range, although there are some that reach a little more.
This Acacia Senegal Bark It is brown with a yellow tint. However, in older specimens the color becomes black. So it is an compelling feature that distinguishes younger specimens from older ones.
The leaves of this plant are bipinnate. This means that the leaf grows on both sides of the axis or stem and in pairs. This is an compelling feature of this plant, because it differs from others in that its leaves are not pointed. In this case, the leaflets that make up each leaf are arranged in pairs of seven to twenty-five; in addition, the shape they assume goes from linear to elliptical.
Another compelling feature of the Acacia Senegal is that unlike other species whose leaves are perennial or enduring, the leaves of this tree are deciduous. This means that they fall off at a specific period or time of year. For this reason, the Acacia Senegal is classified in the deciduous plants; that is, among those plants that lose their leaves at a specific season or time of year.
As you can see, this is a slightly different plant from the others, as it has some characteristics that differ from other acacia species. However, there are other compelling aspects of the Acacia senegal that should be considered.
Habitat and distribution
Like the African acacia, the Senegalese acacia is found in Africa, as well as in various parts of Asia, especially in the Middle East. For this reason, it includes countries such as Senegal, Egypt, Sudan, Oman, and even India.
In such cases, this plant is an vital source of income due to the derivatives obtained from it, as we will see later. On the other hand, it must be taken into account that Acacia Senegal grows in dry and semi-arid areas. It is most often found in the sub-Saharan region.
It can withstand very warm climates and survive with little water. On the other hand, it is not resistant to icy climates, although it can tolerate winters that are not as icy. The most valued part, as we will see below, is the shell.
Applications and properties
This tree is an vital source of resources in the field of pharmacology. And it is from this tree that a very vital liquid known as gum arabic is obtained. This gum has a wide range of uses, which range from the field of time-honored medicine to the production of cosmetics.
in the field apply of Senegalese acacia In time-honored medicine, gum arabic is used to treat or soothe skin irritations, as well as sore throats and gums. In the case of the bark, it is used to treat eczema; on the other hand, its leaves are used to treat diarrhea, as well as cases of conjunctivitis. Its flowers are used to create an infusion that helps control or tranquil hysteria, as it acts as a natural sedative or tranquilizer.
It should be taken into account that in time-honored medicine there are recipes that require precise dosing of each ingredient. Senegalese acacia treeFor this reason, you need to be very careful with these recipes because overusing them can cause side effects.
On the other hand, gum arabic, as well as the bark, leaves and flowers are used for pharmacological purposes. In this way, they create medicinal agents that assist to cure various ailments, in addition to those already mentioned. It is also used to prevent certain diseases, as already mentioned.