Shikakai, Soap-Pod

Acacia concinna

Physical Characteristics

Acacia concinna is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, beetles, butterflies, wasps. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry soil and can tolerate drought. The plant is not wind tolerant.

Distribution

Asia - Central to Southern India

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Edible portion: Seeds, Leaves, Flowers, Vegetable. Leaves ? cooked [301]. The acid-flavoured young leaves can be used as a substitute for tamarinds (Tamarindus indica) in chutneys [301]. They are also added to soups to make them hot and sour [301]. They can be curried with salted fish and coconut milk. Flowers - cooked and eaten as a vegetable [301]. Acid fruit are used in Philippine cooking to give a sour flavour. They are roasted and eaten. Seeds are edible after roasting. The young shoots are used to make pickles or cooked as a vegetable.

Medicinal Uses

Malaria This plant is used medicinally. There is lots of anecdotal information on its use including: the treating of dandruff and as a natural remedy for lice in both for humans and animals. The treatment of parasite-caused diseases such as malaria and visceral leishmaniasis. As a treatment for mouth and throat problems such as pharyngitis and mouth sores by chewing the pods. Tooth decay and plaque reduction from chewing the sticks. Alleviation of constipation indigestion, and other digestive problems from the fruit pods or a tea made from the leaves. A natural toxic cleanser, laxative, and diuretic. Recent research has shown that the tree has an?antidermatophytic? ability that can fight off fungi responsible for skin diseases. It also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and even contains some phytochemicals that may have antioxidant abilities.

Known Hazards

None known