Properties of gum exudates from selected Albizia species from Tanzania

Gum samples from three selected Albizia species from Tanzania have been analysed and their commercial potential determined by comparing their properties with those of Albizia zygia and Acacia gums. The properties of the gum exudates from Albizia amara, Albizia pertesiana and Albizia harveyi have been found to be similar to those of A. zygia gum except that their aqueous solutions possess slightly lower viscosity and higher levels of tannin. The Albizia gums were much less soluble in water than Acacia gums; however, their methoxyl contents and acid equivalent weights (AEW) were similar to those of some Acacia gums.