Catechu Tree
Senegalia polyacantha
- Native to:
- Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina, Burundi, Cameroon, Caprivi Strip, Central African Republic, Chad, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Forestowlet
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Senegalia
- Species:
- Senegalia polyacantha
- USDA Symbol:
- SEPO3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- cream, white
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, mammals
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously after fire; fire stimulates seed germination in some populations.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy to loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- tolerates nutrient-poor conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) to break physical dormancy; germination occurs within 1-3 weeks after treatment.