Acacia catechu seeds, Betel-nut palm, black cutch, catechu tree, cutch tree, terra japonica

Acacia catechu, also known as Cutch tree, is a deciduous, moderate-sized tree, growing up to a height of 15 m rarely with a light feathery crown. The tree is found across India in dry mixed forests, generally as a small tree, up to a height of 3 m. The bark is dark, grayish brown, exfoliating in long, narrow strips, and the leaves are pinnate, with a pair of inwardly-curved prickles at the base of the rachis. Acacia catechu flowers measure about 2.5 - 3mm in length, are pale-yellow or white in color, and are in 5-10cm long, cylindrical spikes. The brown colored pods are glabrous, oblong and flattened, measure about 50-125mm in length, and contain 4-7 seeds. Acacia catechu seeds are flat, dark brown and measure 5-8 mm in diameter.

Botanical Name Acacia catechu
Common Name Betel-nut palm, black cutch, catechu tree, cutch tree, terra japonica
Synonyms A. catechu Willd. Mimosa catechu L. f.
Collection Locale Ganges basin, delta, INDIA
Altitude 400-2000 ft
Seed Collection period Feb.
Seed Longevity Moderate Long Lived (6-8 months)
Seed Purity 99%
Seed Treatment Acid (H2SO4) Scarification, Hot Water
Usual Germination 60-80%
Characteristics Fodder, Timber, Fuel, Gum, Katha, Soil Conservation
Seed Counts per KG 30,000-40,000
Plant Average Height 15mt.

USDA zone: 10 - 12

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Acacia catechu seeds will usually germinate in 21 days.
Sow Acacia catechu seeds about 2mm deep in a Well drained seed sowing mix at about 25°C.

Soak Acacia catechu seeds in warm water, which should be changed daily. Most seeds swell up when they are soaked, those that do should be sown immediately. Seeds that don't swell can be gently scarified.

Soak in warm water for 4 hours.