Vachellia rigidula
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID6440596cf1856978746829 |
| Scientific name | Vachellia rigidula |
| Authority | (Benth.) Seigler & Ebinger |
| First published in | Phytologia87: 166 (2005 publ. 2006) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Vachellia rigidula bark has long been used as a tanning agent by people living within its natural range. Among Mexican Texans on the Lower Rio Grande, bark stripped from the main stems was chopped and boiled in large pots to tan hides (Warnock & Havard, 1988). Tejano curanderas in south Texas used a bark infusion to soak raw hides for a few days before scraping and re‑soaking, a process repeated until the leather reached the desired finish (Reagan, 1936). Texas ranchers also report steep‑and‑stain methods, soaking rope‑made leather straps and heavy gear in bark infusions to tighten and preserve fibers (Correll & Correll, 1982). In northern Mexico, value of the tree lies primarily in its bark as a dye and tan source (Gentry, 1982). Voucher‑based use records in central Texas also document bark stripping for tanning by settlers and ranch hands (Turner, 2009).
Practical recipe: a leather‑working infusion. Strip 250–350 g of fresh inner bark from pruned branches of Vachellia rigidula. Roughly chop and simmer gently in 4–5 liters of water for 60–90 minutes, or steep at 80–90°C for 2–3 hours. Cool to a comfortable working temperature, then strain. Soak hides or leather goods in the warm infusion until the leather darkens to the desired shade, stirring occasionally; remove, rinse lightly, and air‑dry in the shade. Do not drink this preparation; bark infusions used for hides are not for internal use and may contain plant material that irritates skin and mucosa.
Active constituents: the bark of V. rigidula contains significant hydrolysable and condensed tannins; phenolics such as gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, and gallotannins are reported in the species (Jimenez et al., 2010). These polymeric tannins bind proteins and form complex cross‑links in hides, explaining the strong tanning and dye‑binding effects noted by users.
Modern relevance: recent work continues to document the tree’s value as a dye source in rural Mexico and as part of cattle‑industry tannery practice in Texas (Villarreal‑González et al., 2017).
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
The plant provides small‑diameter timber, a water‑soluble gum resin, and a bark extract high in tannins.
Industrial and craft applications:
The gum resin serves as a natural adhesive for woodworking and small‑scale craft assembly. Bark tannin extracts are used in leather tanning to impart a brown colour and improve durability. Wood is converted into charcoal for fuel and employed for fence posts and small construction timbers.
Colorants and tanning:
Bark yields a brown dye suitable for protein fibers, with colour fastness documented in textile studies. The same extract functions as a tanning agent, supplying condensed tannins that bind collagen in leather processing.
Wood and fiber:
Vachellia rigidula produces dense wood (specific gravity ≈0.75) that burns cleanly and provides heat comparable to other Texas acacias. Stems are harvested locally for fuelwood, fence rails, and small timber items; bark fibers have been twisted into rope in some Mexican villages.
Properties relevant to use:
Wood density of 0.70–0.80 g cm⁻³ and low moisture content support efficient charcoal production. The gum is an arabinogalactan polysaccharide similar to gum arabic, neutral pH, water‑soluble, giving adhesive properties. Bark tannins are predominantly condensed (proanthocyanidins) at 12–18 % dry weight, providing high protein‑binding capacity for tanning.
Standards and regulation:
Gum‑type products for food contact must meet FDA 21 CFR 184.1333 (GRAS) and the International Food Additives Codex; tannin extracts for leather must conform to EN 1013 and ISO 14714.
Sustainability and sourcing:
The species ranges through Texas and northern Mexico and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating stable populations. Harvest of bark and gum is low‑intensity; sustainable management recommends removing ≤10 % of bark per individual per year.
Scientific uses:
DNA sequences (ITS, rbcL) from Vachellia rigidula are deposited in GenBank and have been used in phylogenetics of Vachellia. Seed and tissue accessions are maintained in the USDA National Plant Germplasm System, providing a genetic resource for Acacia research.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Acacia amentacea | DC. | Prodr.2: 455 (1825) |
| Acacia rigidula | Benth. | London J. Bot.1: 504 (1842) |
| Acaciopsis rigidula | (Benth.) Britton & Rose | N.L.Britton & al. (eds.), N. Amer. Fl.23: 94 (1928) |
| Acaciopsis amentacea | (DC.) Britton & Rose | N.L.Britton & al. (eds.), N. Amer. Fl.23: 95 (1928) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| Persian | آکاسیای سیاهشاخه |
| Japanese | アカシア・リジデュラ |
Germination/Propagation Top
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No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Northern America click to expand
-
Mexico
- Mexico Central
- Mexico Gulf
- Mexico Northeast
- Mexico Northwest
- Mexico Southwest
-
South-central U.S.A.
- Texas
-
Mexico
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0001277453 |
| Tropicos | 50294144 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60441232-2 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 671629 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 205076 |
| Nature Serve | 2.154786 |
| IUCN Red List | 144316027 |
| IPNI | 60441232-2 |
| iNaturalist | 775516 |
| GBIF | 3795417 |
| USDA GRIN | 450081 |
| Wikipedia | Vachellia_rigidula |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives | |||||
| Phenylethyl Alcohol | 6054 | Click to see C1=CC=C(C=C1)CCO | 122.16 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Benzoic acid esters / o-Hydroxybenzoic acid esters | |||||
| Methyl Salicylate | 4133 | Click to see COC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1O | 152.15 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoyl derivatives | |||||
| 4-Methoxybenzaldehyde | 31244 | Click to see | 136.15 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Methoxybenzenes / Dimethoxybenzenes | |||||
| Homoveratrylamine | 8421 | Click to see | 181.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| N-Methylhomoveratrylamine | 77039 | Click to see CNCCC1=CC(=C(C=C1)OC)OC | 195.26 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Phenethylamines | |||||
| Hordenine | 68313 | Click to see | 165.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Mescaline | 4076 | Click to see | 211.26 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| N-Methylmescaline | 138365 | Click to see | 225.28 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| N-Methylphenethylamine | 11503 | Click to see CNCCC1=CC=CC=C1 | 135.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| N-Methyltyramine | 9727 | Click to see | 151.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| N,N-Dimethylphenylethylamine | 25125 | Click to see | 149.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Phenethylamine | 1001 | Click to see | 121.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Tyramine | 5610 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1CCN)O | 137.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Phenethylamines / Amphetamines and derivatives | |||||
| (alphaR)-4-Methoxy-alpha-methylbenzeneethanamine | 6951129 | Click to see | 165.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| 4-(2-Aminopropyl)phenol | 3651 | Click to see CC(CC1=CC=C(C=C1)O)N | 151.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| 4-Hydroxy-dextroamphetamine | 644000 | Click to see | 151.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| 4-Methoxyamphetamine | 31721 | Click to see CC(CC1=CC=C(C=C1)OC)N | 165.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Amphetamine | 3007 | Click to see | 135.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Dextroamphetamine | 5826 | Click to see CC(CC1=CC=CC=C1)N | 135.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Methamphetamine | 10836 | Click to see | 149.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Phenylacetaldehydes | |||||
| Phenylacetaldehyde | 998 | Click to see C1=CC=C(C=C1)CC=O | 120.15 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| > Benzenoids / Phenols / Benzenediols / Catechols / Catecholamines and derivatives | |||||
| 5-(2-Aminoethyl)-3-methoxybenzene-1,2-diol | 54382520 | Click to see | 183.20 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| 5-[2-(Methylamino)ethyl]benzene-1,2,3-triol | 101412262 | Click to see | 183.20 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| 5-Hydroxydopamine | 114772 | Click to see | 169.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Deoxyepinephrine | 4382 | Click to see CNCCC1=CC(=C(C=C1)O)O | 167.20 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Dopamine | 681 | Click to see | 153.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| N,N-Dimethyldopamine | 152427 | Click to see CN(C)CCC1=CC(=C(C=C1)O)O | 181.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| > Benzenoids / Phenols / Methoxyphenols | |||||
| 2-Methoxy-5-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]phenol | 64868996 | Click to see CNCCC1=CC(=C(C=C1)OC)O | 181.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| 3-Methoxytyramine | 1669 | Click to see | 167.20 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| 4-(2-Aminoethyl)-2,6-dimethoxyphenol | 533955 | Click to see | 197.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| 4-O-Methyldopamine | 1748 | Click to see | 167.20 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| 5-(2-Aminoethyl)-2,3-dimethoxyphenol | 44559361 | Click to see COC1=CC(=CC(=C1OC)O)CCN | 197.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Eugenol | 3314 | Click to see | 164.20 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| > Hydrocarbons / Saturated hydrocarbons / Alkanes | |||||
| Heneicosane | 12403 | Click to see | 296.60 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids / Kaurane diterpenoids | |||||
| (-)-Kaur-16-ene | 520687 | Click to see | 272.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| (4R,9R,10S)-5,5,9-trimethyl-14-methylidenetetracyclo[11.2.1.01,10.04,9]hexadecane | 12304784 | Click to see | 272.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Acyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| Geraniol | 637566 | Click to see CC(=CCCC(=CCO)C)C | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| Geranylacetone | 1549778 | Click to see | 194.31 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| alpha-IONONE | 5282108 | Click to see CC1=CCCC(C1C=CC(=O)C)(C)C | 192.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| > Organic acids and derivatives / Carboxylic acids and derivatives / Amino acids, peptides, and analogues / Alpha amino acids and derivatives / Alpha amino acid amides | |||||
| (2S,4R)-4-hydroxypiperidine-2-carboxamide | 84074597 | Click to see C1CNC(CC1O)C(=O)N | 144.17 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| (S)-Piperidine-2-carboxamide | 6933831 | Click to see C1CCNC(C1)C(=O)N | 128.17 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Piperidine-2-carboxamide | 140623 | Click to see | 128.17 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| > Organic nitrogen compounds / Organonitrogen compounds / Amines / Aralkylamines | |||||
| N-Methyl-1-phenylethylamine | 577403 | Click to see | 135.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| > Organic nitrogen compounds / Organonitrogen compounds / Amines / Primary amines / Monoalkylamines | |||||
| 2-Cyclohexylethylamine | 20509 | Click to see C1CCC(CC1)CCN | 127.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbonyl compounds / Cyclic ketones | |||||
| Jasmone | 1549018 | Click to see | 164.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Indoles and derivatives / Tryptamines and derivatives | |||||
| N-Methyltryptamine | 6088 | Click to see CNCCC1=CNC2=CC=CC=C21 | 174.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| N,N-Dimethyltryptamine | 6089 | Click to see | 188.27 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Tryptamine | 1150 | Click to see C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C(=CN2)CCN | 160.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Oxolanes | |||||
| 2-Furanmethanol, 5-ethenyltetrahydro-alpha,alpha,5-trimethyl-, (2R,5R)-rel- | 6431475 | Click to see | 170.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Pyridines and derivatives / Aminopyridines and derivatives | |||||
| 2-Amino-4-methylpyridine | 1533 | Click to see | 108.14 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Pyridines and derivatives / Pyrrolidinylpyridines | |||||
| 3-(1-Methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine | 942 | Click to see | 162.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| 3-[(2S)-pyrrolidin-2-yl]pyridine | 91462 | Click to see C1CC(NC1)C2=CN=CC=C2 | 148.20 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Nicotine | 89594 | Click to see | 162.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Tetrahydrofurans | |||||
| trans-Linalool oxide | 6432254 | Click to see CC1(CCC(O1)C(C)(C)O)C=C | 170.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Tetrahydroisoquinolines | |||||
| (1S)-6,7-dimethoxy-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-8-ol | 87201 | Click to see | 223.27 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| (9S)-8-ethyl-4-methoxy-9-methyl-7,9-dihydro-6H-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-h]isoquinoline | 101017032 | Click to see CCN1CCC2=CC(=C3C(=C2C1C)OCO3)OC | 249.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| 6,7-Dimethoxy-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-8-ol | 199214 | Click to see | 223.27 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Anhalamine | 69510 | Click to see | 209.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| Anhalidine | 2752318 | Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C(C(=C2C1)O)OC)OC | 223.27 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamaldehydes | |||||
| Cinnamaldehyde | 637511 | Click to see | 132.16 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/JF00120A008 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-7-O-glycosides | |||||
| [(2R,3S,4S,5R,6S)-6-[(2S,3R,4S,5R,6S)-4,5-dihydroxy-6-[5-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-oxo-7-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxychromen-3-yl]oxy-2-methyloxan-3-yl]oxy-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]methyl (2S)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoate | 163030082 | Click to see CC1C(C(C(C(O1)OC2=C(OC3=CC(=CC(=C3C2=O)O)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O)C5=CC=C(C=C5)O)O)O)OC6C(C(C(C(O6)COC(=O)C(C)CO)O)O)O | 842.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(97)01022-4 |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |