Question

Catechu is obtained from which tree?
A) Khakhra
B) Timaru
C) Khair
D) Bamboo

Answer 1

Hint: Catechu is the extract of acacia tree, especially Senegalia catechu belonging to Family Fabaceae. It is also known as black cutch, cutch, cashoo, cachou, katha, Japan earth etc. Catechu consists of catechin and catechol.

 Complete answer:
Senegalia catechu is a thorny and deciduous tree which grows upto 15 m in height. It has a straight and cylindrical stem with 240 cm in width and 30 m in height. The plant is known as kachu in Malay and Khair in Hindi. Khair tree grows from the Himalayas to South of India and it is widely grown in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Corbett National Park and Ranthambore National Park.
Geographical source of catechu or cutch is Punjab, Bihar, Orissa, and Outer Himalayas.
Uses of Catechu
>Treat swelling of nose and throat.
>Used in diarrhea.
>Dysentery, indigestion, bleeding.
>Colitis, osteoarthritis
>Used in cancer.
>As astringent, food additive and dye.
>Apply directly to skin for various skin diseases, to stop bleeding and for wound dressing.
>The most important product obtained from Acacia catechu is katha or catechu by boiling chips of wood with water. There are two varieties which are marketed in India katha and cutch.

So, the correct answer is Khair.

Note:Katha is found as irregular and small grayish color squares which upon breaking give crystalline fracture. Cutch is marketed rusty brown or dull orange small cubes with conchoidal fracture.