avaram (bark)
A tree (Cassia auriculata) found in India, the
bark of which is one of the most important sources
of indigenous tannin of the Indian Subcontinent.
The bark usually has a tannin content of
approximately 18%, along with about 10% soluble
non-tans. Avaram has long been used extensively by
Indian tanners, and it is because of it that the
extensive Madras export trade in light-tanned or
half tanned leathers was established. Although WATTLE (BARK) has
largely superseded it in the tannage of cattle
hides, avaram is still in great demand for the
tannage of goat- and sheepskins, i.e., "East India
kips." Avaram is self-bating and penetrates the
skin rapidly, producing a pale colored, tough,
elastic leather. Used alone, the leather is likely
to develop a reddish color when exposed to
sunlight; however completion of the tannage with
MYRABOLANS
prevents this from happening. Avaram is considered
to be an ideal tannin for the preparation of half
tanned skins or kips that are to be shipped
elsewhere for finishing. See also:VEGETABLE TANNINS .
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