Acacia modesta (Linn.) Wall

Description :

A deciduous, thorny moderate-size tree, 3 to 9 m tall. Diameters up to 2 m have been recorded. Leaves are compound. 1.2 to 5 cm long. The bark is rough with irregular cracks. The flowers are pale white to pale yellow, fragrant growing in bunches and appear between March and May depending on geographic location. The pods are small, 5 to 7.5 cm long, and mature between May and November. At present no disease or insects problems have been identified. It is easily reproduced from seed and by vegetative means. Seed remains viable for 1 year. It is relatively slow growing but will yield 4 to 6 m³/ha/yr in 50 years. Average height and diameter for 50 years old tree is 6 m and 23 cm respectively. Specific gravity of 0.96 and a calorific value of 5500 kcal/kg. Sapwood is white, close grained, heartwood is dark brown with black streaks.

Distribution :

This tree is native to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India. In Pakistan it is found below 1200 m in the foothill ranges of the Himalayas, Salt Range, Sulaiman Hills, Balochistan and Kirthar Range. It is also found in the plains close to these mountains. A moderately intolerant, drought resistant tree that grows on a variety of soils, including dry shallow soils. It grows in precipitation range of 250 to 1300 mm/yr. It prefers a semi-arid, subhumid climate within a temperature range of -5 to 40°C. It exhibits some frost hardiness.

Uses :

This valuable tree is adapted to a variety of arid sites. It is aggressive because it can tolerate some shade. It is important in the Barani region and has great potential for reforestation projects. Young plants need protection from grazing. It has great potential as a farm forestry tree and can be easily managed with a coppice system. Wood is durable, heavy, hard and very strong also used as fodder, fuel, agricultural implements, hedge, apiculture, and gum.