Overview
Acacia catechu is a bushy trees in the genus Acacia, part of the Fabaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Acacia catechu grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and mediterranean climate plants.
About
Senegalia catechu, previously known as Acacia catechu, is a deciduous, thorny tree which grows up to 15 m (50 ft) in height. The plant is called kachu in Malay; the Malay name was Latinized to "catechu" in Linnaean taxonomy, as the species from which the extracts cutch and catechu are derived. Senegalia catechu is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Cambodia and China (Yunnan). Through derivatives of the flavanols in its extracts, the species has lent its name to the important catechins, catechols and catecholamines of chemistry and biology. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). It works well for city and courtyard gardens and mediterranean climate plants. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Senegalia catechu
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Acacia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Acacia catechu size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acacia catechu
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed at a minimum of 18°C in spring. Soak in warm water until seeed swells. Root semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite under glass
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Acacia catechu?
Acacia catechu prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Acacia catechu need?
Acacia catechu grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Acacia catechu hardy in the UK?
Acacia catechu has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Acacia catechu?
Propagate by seed at a minimum of 18°C in spring. Soak in warm water until seeed swells. Root semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
More in the Acacia genus
- Acacia acuminataraspberry jam tree
- Acacia aneuramulga
- Acacia celastrifolia
- Acacia cognatanarrow-leaved bower wattle
- Acacia cornigerabull horn acacia
- Acacia crassiuscula
- Acacia dealbata 'Kambah Karpet'
- Acacia dealbata 'Virginia'