Acacia Tree

Acacia Confusa

Numerous acacias have played a role in ethnopharmacology and medical history. Some species
(such as gum arabic) are used as sources for an excipient and incense, some are used as beer
additives, and others provide DVT and other tryptomones. (Woodcut from Tabernaemontanus,
Neu Vollkommen Kräuter-Buch, 1731) Many Australian acacias contain high concentrations of
N,N-DvT and are thus suitable for the production of diyin analogs. Although
our studies of Australia’s psychoactive flora have only just begun, they already have
demonstrated great promise. This acacia species, found in India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, can
grow as tall as 20 meters. It is also known as cutch tree, khair, kath, katha, khadira, and ercha.
Its heartwood is boiled in water for twelve hours to concentrate the extract, which is known as
catechu, katechu, catechu nigrum, extractum catechu, succus catechu, terra catechu, terra
japonica, pegu, black catechu, cutch, cachou, katha, khair, terra giapponica, khadira, and cato de
pegú. Essentially four types are found in trade: Pegu catechu (= Bombay catechu), the most
common type; Bengali catechu; Malaccan catechu; and Camou catechu (Harnischfeger 1992,
31). Catechu is an ancient Indian drug and is still officinal in Germany as well (DAB6). In
Vedic times, the bark of Acacia catechu was known as somatvak and was associated with soma.7
The Acacia catechu tree, indigenous to South Asia, produces a substance known as catechu,
which is an important ingredient in betel quids. (Engraving from Pereira, De Beginselen der
Materia Medica en der Therapie, 1849) Catechu is odorless and has a bitter, astringent taste that
slowly turns sweet. It is largely water soluble and can be crystallized back out again. It is
composed of flavonols and glycosides (fisetin, quercetin [cf. Psidium guajava, Vaccinium
uliginosum], quercitrin), as well as flavonoids (catechine, catechin tanning agents) and red
pigments (Harnischfeger 1992, 31). Catechu is thus responsible for the reddish coloration of the
saliva that occurs when betel quids are chewed (Atkinson 1989, 775). In India and Nepal,
catechu is used in dyeing and tanning. In the local ethnomedicine, it is employed as a tonic and
for digestive ailments and skin diseases. However, the greatest economic significance of
catechu is as a (coloring) additive to betel quids (Storrs 1990, 5). In Indian medicine, catechu is
an ingredient in recipes for treating ulcers on the mucous membranes of the mouth, inflamed
throats, and toothaches (Harnischfeger 1992, 32). Catechu is a definite tannin drug that is
suitable for treating inflammations of the mucous membranes and diarrhea (Pahlow 1993,
453*). Catechu has no psychoactive effects of its own but is simply an important component of
a psychoactive product; however, it may have synergistic effects in this. Acacia Confusa is an
attractive, yellow-flowered shrub that grows in Southeast Asia. Acacia Confusa is actually
native to the northern Phillipines, China and Taiwan, but it has been introduced to other areas
including Micronesia and Taiwan. Reaching heights of up to 4 meters in its native environment,
Acacia Confusa is also known as Formosa Koa or Philippine Acacia. Confusa reportedly
contains powerful antioxidants and is used to treat blood disorders in traditional herbalism
where the plants naturally grow. Laboratory studies have also indicated a potential for the plant
extract to fight hepatitis C. In Taiwan, the wood is also reportedly used to make support beams
for underground mines. Although not as well-known as its close relatives such as acacia
maidenii and acacia obtusifolia, acacia confusa makes a great ornamental plant. The pom-pom-
shaped flowers resemble those of the mimosa genus. This species is listed as hardy from zones
9-11, but it can be grown as a container plant in cooler environments much the way its relatives
commonly are. Like many other mimosoid plants, acacia confusa is tolerant of poor soils. It
reproduces readily after fire. The seeds themselves have a good ornamental potential and can be
used as beads. In addition to plants, this plant is reportedly reproduced through cuttings.