Babul
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific nameAcacia arabica
Trade / common nameBabul
FamilyLeguminosae
RegionWestern Asia · Western Africa · Southern Asia · South-eastern Asia
Distribution
Babul is widespread in Africa and Asia, and can also be found in Australia. In Kenya, it is mainly found at 900 to 2 000 m. It is found in well watered Sahelian and Sudanian savannas to the southern Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and in the Gambia, the Sudan, Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, and on lateritic soil in the Himalayan foothills in India (where it is indigenous to Sind, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra). It is also cultivated in other areas, including Sri Lanka.
Uses
Agricultural implements, Beams, Bearings & bushings, Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: decking, Boat building: framing, Bridge construction, Canoes, Carvings, Charcoal, Crossties, Door, Dyewood , Flooring, Foundation posts, Fuelwood, Furniture, Heavy construction, Joinery, Lifeboats, Light construction, Mine timbers, Piling, Poles, Posts, Railroad ties, Shipbuilding, Sporting Goods, Stakes, Structural work, Tool handles, Truck bodies, Turnery, Vats, Vehicle parts
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
Projects & Inspiration
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Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Fine woodworkingDecorative detailsSmall crafted objects
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Project guidance can build on this species record, its properties and documented uses.
Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Red
Brown
White
Pink
Purple
White to cream
Reddish brown
Pale red to pink
Turn reddish brown upon exposure
Pinkish white
Light red
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
White
Yellow
White to yellow
Whitish
Clearly differentiated from the heartwood
It turns to pale yellow upon exposure.
Wide sapwood
Luster
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
High
Medium
Low
Pronounced
Lustrous
Dull
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Beams, Bearings & bushings, Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: decking, Boat building: framing, Bridge construction, Canoes, Carvings, Charcoal, Crossties, Door, Dyewood , Flooring, Foundation posts, Fuelwood, Furniture, Heavy construction, Joinery, Lifeboats, Light construction, Mine timbers, Piling, Poles, Posts, Railroad ties, Shipbuilding, Sporting Goods, Stakes, Structural work, Tool handles, Truck bodies, Turnery, Vats, Vehicle parts
Full Technical Species Profile
The public profile includes identification, distribution, linked imagery and selected public-facing species information. Sign in to use your membership access. The complete technical record is available with an eligible paid membership.
Protected technical content includes physical and mechanical properties, working and drying characteristics, durability data, detailed technical observations, references and methodology.