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gum arabic

Scientific Name: Acacia senegal

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Gum Arabic: The Versatile Sap of Acacia Trees

Gum arabic, also known as acacia gum, chaar gund, char goond, or meska, is a natural gum harvested from the hardened sap of various species of acacia trees.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that Acacia trees are spiny.
  • Gum arabic is harvested from the *exterior* of Acacia trees, but the text does not specify any harmful properties of the bark.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that Acacia trees are spiny.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Gum arabic is derived from various Acacia species, particularly Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. The text also mentions ACACIA NILOTICA (LINN.).
  • Common Names: Gum arabic, acacia gum, chaar gund, char goond, meska, gum hashab, Indian gum arabic, talha.
  • Family: Leguminosae

Distribution and Habitat

  • The primary source of gum arabic is the sub-Saharan (Sahel zone) region of Africa, particularly the Sudan. Acacia trees grow on the edge of deserts.
  • Acacia senegal is native to the Sudan region.
  • It's also harvested from wild trees in the Middle East.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Gum arabic is harvested from the exterior of acacia trees, where it dries into hard nodules.
  • All gum-yielding Acacias exhibit the same habit and general appearance, differing only in technical characters.

Uses and Applications

  • Gum arabic is used as a thickener, emulsifier, binder medium, and stabilizer in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, inks, textiles, and adhesives.
  • It is used in soft drinks, cold capsules, jelly beans, and even on postage stamps.
  • In watercolor painting and gouache, it is used as a binder medium.
  • It's used in aromatherapy for applying essential oils.
  • It can be used as a prebiotic to support gut flora.

Quirky Facts

  • Marshmallows wouldn't be the same without acacia sap!
  • Gum arabic has been used since the days of the Egyptian Pharaohs.

Further Resources

  • WebMD
  • US Food and Drug Administration
  • Sigma-Aldrich
  • Winsor & Newton
  • Collins English Dictionary