Acacia can be defined as a genus of shrubs and trees belonging to the Gondwanian origin. It is also associated with the Pea Family Fabaceae, The origin of acacia can be aptly traced back to the warmer regions of Egypt. There are some genuses of acacia, which are apparently not monophyletic, and it is this discovery that has led to the breaking up of acacia into five new genera. Several varieties of acacia are found in the different parts of the world and most of them have thorns on their limbs. Then there are some species of acacia which lack leaves altogether.

Purposes of Acacia
Acacia are being used for a variety of purposes. Some of the species have important uses in the traditional medicine as the chemical compounds found in them is universally believed to help in the treatment of premature ejaculation. An astringent known, as `cutch` is believed to be procured from one species of acacia. It is done by boiling down the wood and evaporating the soluble mixture to get the desired extract. Acacia is also believed to serve ornamental purposes. The Egyptians of the ancient times also used to put acacia in the paints. The purpose of using acacia in the perfume industry can be traced back to times immemorial. One of the species of acacia known as `Acacia farnesiana` is used in the perfume industry due to its strong fragrance. Acacia is also used for an assortment of consumption products. In the eastern part of the globe thefeathery shoots of acacia are used in soups, omlettes curries and stir-fries. Then there are some species of acacia, which yield gum. In India the acacia catechu has been exploited commercially in tannin and Katha industry for decades. To the people living in the rural parts of India the acacia is a subsidiary source of income as they are totally dependent on this plant on their day-to-day fuel, building material, fodder and others. It has also become an integral part of the lives of the inhabitants of Shivalik range.

Indian Acacia
In the Indian subcontinent one of the species of acacia called Acacia Catechu is known as `Khair`. It is a medium sized deciduous tree with crooked and forked truck. Its growth can be traced in both natural and plantation forms in most parts of the nation up to an elevation of 1300 meters above sea level. In India the Acacia Catechu is categorized mainly into three divisions: Catechu, Catechuoides and Sundra. In India the Acacia Catechu is widely found in Uttar Pradesh, Jammu, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. The other species known as Acacia Catechuoides is found in the terrain region of Sikkim, West Bengal and Assam whereas the third variety also known as the `red catechu` or `lal khair` is prevalent in Gujarat, the Deccan, Rajasthan and southern parts of Maharashtra.