Babul - Acacia nilotica

Description and Uses

Acacia nilotica (Babul) is a tropical tree from East Africa. It is mainly grown for its fodder crops (medium shelflife), The crop is harvested by pruning. It starts flowering after 5 - 7 years. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is medium, its energetic value is 4700 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is ; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 40 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Acacia nilotica has a lifespan of 100 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 22 meters tall. It is medium growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Acacia nilotica has a deep root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is able to fix nitrogen with Microbacteriaceae bacteria. The tree`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by .

Acacia nilotica thrives in an altitude of 0 to 1340 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 4°C and optimally between 17 - 35°C. The optimal rainfall is 835 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 200 - 1270 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of clay.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 8 months. There are approximative 20000 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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