babul

Babul, also spelled babul, is a common name for Acacia nilotica, a tree native to Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. In botanical practice, many authorities place it in the genus Vachellia as Vachellia nilotica. It is widely distributed across arid and semi-arid regions and is often found in open woodland, riverine belts, and disturbed lands. The species has many regional varieties and forms, and some populations have become naturalized outside its native range.

Description: Babul is a deciduous or semi-evergreen tree that can reach 15–20 meters in height. It has dark, fissured bark, small, pinnate leaves, and spherical heads of pale yellow flowers that bloom seasonally. It bears flat, leathery pods containing several seeds.

Ecology and habitat: The tree tolerates drought and poor soils, and it is commonly used in agroforestry for shade, windbreaks, and soil stabilization. It provides fodder for livestock through its leaves and pods, and its flowers attract bees and support honey production.

Uses and cultural notes: Timber is heavy and durable, used for fuel, fencing, and construction of rustic items. The bark contains tannins that have traditional tanning and medicinal applications in some cultures. In South Asia the babul tree is a familiar roadside and riverbank species, often valued in rural landscapes for ecological and economic roles. Environmental considerations include its potential to form dense thickets and, in non-native regions, to behave as an invasive species.