Food The tree's seeds are a good source of
protein. Kattha (
catechu), an extract of its heartwood, gives a characteristic flavor and red color to
paan, a traditional Indian and Southeast Asian method for chewing
betel leaf (
Piper betle) with
areca nut and slaked lime paste.
Fodder Branches of the tree are quite often cut for
goat fodder and are sometimes fed to
cattle.
Folk medicine The
heartwood, bark, and wood
extract (called
catechu) are used in
traditional medicine. The concentrated aqueous extract, known as khayer gum or cutch, is
astringent.
Wood The tree is often planted for use as
firewood and charcoal and its wood is highly valued for furniture and tools.
Other uses Its
heartwood extract is used in
dyeing and
leather tanning, as a
preservative for
fishing nets, and as a
viscosity regulator for
oil drilling. Its flowers are a good source of nectar and pollen for bees. ==Cultivation==