Botanical Name Of The Acacia Tree Essay Example
Botanical Name Of The Acacia Tree Essay Example

Botanical Name Of The Acacia Tree Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (553 words)
  • Published: August 27, 2018
  • Type: Research Paper
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Kattha and cutch are derived from the wood of the Khair tree, which is scientifically known as Acacia. The Khair tree has various varieties, including Acacia Sundra, Acacia Catechuoides, and Acacia Catechu. These specific tree species are predominantly found in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh, with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar being the primary locations. The production of Kattha is a significant traditional industry in India that relies on forest resources. The Central Forest Research Institute has developed an enhanced manufacturing process for kattha and cutch.

The production of these products is easy and does not require advanced technology or equipment. These products have numerous uses. Kattha is a bitter and acrid substance used in paan and in medicinal and ayurvedic preparations. Cutch, a by-product of kattha, is utilized as

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a tanning material, as well as an additive and preservative in various industries. Kattha has been produced in the country for a long time and is widely consumed as it is used in the preparation of paan nationwide.

Both neem and cutch have multiple uses. In ayurvedic preparations, neem is known to cure itching, indigestion, bronchitis, leprosy, ulcers, boils, piles, and throat diseases. Cutch, on the other hand, has industrial applications. It is a valuable source of vegetable tanning materials and is used extensively in drilling mud for oil drilling. Additionally, it is used for preserving sailing rods, fishing nets, mail bags, and more. Overall, both neem and cutch have versatile applications.

The heartwood of khair or acacia is chopped into small pieces and placed in a wire net cage to prevent direct contact with a heated surface. Approximately 8-9 kilograms of chip

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are used, along with about 25-27 liters of water (equal to 3 times the weight of the chips), and placed in extractors. The extraction process involves boiling the chips with water for approximately 3 hours. The extracts from each extractor are combined after filtering through a muslin cloth. The mixture is then concentrated in an open pan over a fire and subsequently placed in the shade for approximately 2 days to allow the kattha to crystallize.After the crystallisation process, the curd-like mass is filtered using a frame and plate-type filter press, which is manually operated. Following this, it is washed with cold water to enhance the quality of kattha. The next step involves placing it on wooden frames equipped with canvas cloth to separate any traces of cutch. Eventually, the kattha is sliced into uniform tablets using a wire cutter or knife and then dried in sheds. The remaining liquid, after the kattha is removed, is further concentrated in an open pan until it reaches a viscous consistency. It is then poured into wooden frames for drying, resulting in the production of cutch. It should be noted that from 100 kilograms of acacia chips, 5 kilograms of kattha and 14 kilograms of cutch are obtained.

The yield of a crop is greatly influenced by the quality of the chips. The process flow chart for the growth, yield, and management of the species is as follows:

The average rate of growth is determined based on measurements taken from 14 sample plots in Saharanpur, Rohilkhand, Ramnagar, Lansdowne, Haldwani, Baharaich, and Terai and Bhabar Forest Division of Uttar Pradesh. The average rate of growth is calculated by considering

the age of the crop, its height, and diameter.

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