PLANTS PRODUCING GUMS AND RESINS 327 



The export from the Somaliland coast between igoo and 1Q04 was 

 as follows : — 



1900 ... 



1901 .. 



1902 ... 



1903 ... 



1904 ... 



In the European market gum Senegal takes the first place. The 

 following are the export figures for iqoo to 1905 (Charabot) : — 



1900 ... 



1901 ... 



1902 ... 



1903 •• 



1904 ... 

 1905 



Production varies according to the climatic conditions. The gum 

 which occurs in the Egyptian Sudan also seems to be derived from the 

 Acacia Senegal. 



Acacia Catechu. — This acacia is a native of the East Indies and 

 inhabits Coromandel. The species is better known for its product, the 

 catechu or cutch of commerce, which is used in tanning, but the tree 

 also exudes a gum which often appears as dark brown tears, about 

 I in. in diameter. It has a sweet flavour, is soluble in water, forms a 

 consistent, dark brown mucilage, and is not precipitated by lead 

 acetate. It is gelatinized by basic acetate of lead, ferrous chloride, 

 and borax; it reduces Fehling's solution. 



This gum is used to adulterate gum arable. 



It is exported from the Malabar coast and from Tuticorin. 



Acacia Sundra. — The gum from this acacia is similar to that of 

 Acacia Catechu. 



Acacia Suma. — This species is often confounded with Acacia 

 Sundra, the characters of both being identical. It jdelds a gum which 

 is not very well known, and which is probably used to adulterate other 

 gums. 



Acacia microbotrya. — This plant of somewhat low habit produces a 

 large cj[uantity of gum which, in Australia, is gathered and preserved 

 by the aborigines. The tree yields 50 lb. of gum in a season. It is 

 of superior ciuality and the natives eat it. 



Acacia leioiihyiia. — An Australian species which produces gum. It 

 has been introduced into Algeria, where it withstands the drought much 

 better. It is a small tree with a very large leaf development at the 

 summit. 



Acacia capensis. — The Cape of Good Hope gum is derived from this 

 species. It is formed of brittle and friable tears, which are almost 

 completely soluble in water. A certain amount is exported to England. 



