Babul

Acacia nilotica (Hindi name - Babool) is a tree of 5m – 20 m height that prefers sandy or sterile regions with a dry climate during the greater part of the year. The crown is somewhat flattened or rounded, with a moderate density. The branches have a tendency to droop downwards if the crown is roundish. Acacia nilotica is a slow-growing species but is moderately long-lived. The species can withstand extremely dry environments and can also endure floods.

The tree makes a good protective hedge because of its thorns. In the part of its range, small stock consumes the pods and leaves, but elsewhere it is also very popular with cattle. Pods are used as a supplement to poultry rations in India.

In India, branches are commonly lopped for fodder. In the wild, the pods (especially when dried) and leaves are consumed by small animals like sheep, but cattle also seems to find them very tasty. The pods are toxic to goats. They are best fed dry, as a supplement, not as green fodder. The wood is strong, durable, hard, highly shock-resistant, and is used for construction, mine props, tool handles, and carts. It has a high calorific value and makes excellent fuelwood and quality charcoal.

Acacia nilotica has a wealth of medicinal uses. It can help with stomach problems, the bark is chewed to provide protection against scurvy, an infusion is taken for dysentery and diarrhea. The species has also been used in veterinary medicine. For instance, it is used as a molluscicide to reduce liver-flukes in cattle. The pods are desirable as fodder for cattle, and the leaves, young shoots, and young pods are thought to aid milk production. The trees begin fruiting within 5-7 years and yield about 18 kg pods/year.