Shikakai
Acacia sinuata

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

There are about 1,350 Acacia species. Over 1,000 occur in Australia. Based on Mimosa sinuata Lour., whose application is uncertain; non A. sinuata auct. (= A. concinna (Willd.) DC.).Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in high rainfall areas. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Reunion, SE Asia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

How it is used for food

The acidic young leaves are sometimes used in chutneys. They are boiled. The young shoots are used for pickles or cooked as a vegetable. The seeds are roasted with salt and eaten.

It is a cultivated food plant. Leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aila, Cheevakay, Chikakai, Khang-thur, Lashiur, Piquant sappan, Sappan Soap pod, Sikakai

Synonyms

Acacia habbasoides Bojer; Acacia rugata (Lam.) Voigt; Mimosa sinuata Lour.;