Source, Etc

Ghatti gum is obtained from Anogeissus latifolia, Wallich (N.O. Combretaceoe), a large tree indigenous to India and Ceylon.

Description

The gum occurs in vermiform or rounded tears, the best qualities being almost colourless, the inferior yellow to dark brown. The surface is dull and the fracture uniform and glassy, not exhibiting cracks. Its aqueous solution gives only a slight precipitate with solution of lead subacetate (that of acacia gum gives a copious one). With water it forms a nearly colourless mucilage about twice as viscous as that made with the same proportion of acacia.

Constituents

The constituents of ghatti gum are, as far as is known, similar to those of acacia.

Uses

Ghatti gum is admirably adapted for pharmaceutical use; it has excellent emulsifying properties.