Trees of Morni: Khair

Mornee Tramp • November 16, 2011

Khair (Acacia catechu) is a medium sized, deciduous, thorny tree which grows upto 15 metres tall and has a crooked and forked trunk. The tree grows upto an elevation of 1300 metres.The extract ‘katha’ is used as an ingredient in ‘paan’ (betel leaf) and is also used to treat sore throats and diarrhoea. Katha is used in many Ayurvedic medicines. An extract ‘Cutch’ is used for tanning leather and as a dye. The branches are used as fodder for cattle and goats.The timber is used as firewood and for making furniture and tools. The wood is considered sacred and is used in religious ceremonies (havanas) and funerals.The high commercial value of ‘Katha’ led to illegal felling of Khair trees in the Shivalik foothills and is an area of concern.

Khair Tree (Rasoon)

Khair leaves

Khair flowers (July)

Khair trunk- cracked and flaky

Filed in: Trees & Shrubs

About the Author (Author Profile)

An environmental enthusiast who loves tramping through the hills in search of the picturesque.

Comments (3)

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ankur singh says:

February 3, 2013 at 2:41 pm

I have 61 khair tree want to sell it immediately…plz contact me as soon as possible…cell no 9335974218
- Amitabh says:
  
  February 5, 2013 at 7:44 pm
  
  @ Ankur Singh- As per my knowledge Supreme Court banned the felling of Khair trees in 1996!
sawan says:

November 4, 2015 at 8:51 am

kher ka ped ki dandi se soi hue devta ko be jagaya jaata h

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Around Morni

Around Morni

Villages

Environment

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