gambier
A tannin obtained from the leaves and stems of
Uncaria gambir, a shrubby climber found in
Indonesia and surrounding areas. It contains
catechu-tannic acid (22 to 50%) and catechin (7 to
33%), as well as varying amounts of vegetable
acids and their salts, sugar, starch, cellulose,
wax, oil, and mineral matter. The catechin is not
identical with that of CUTCH . It is one of
the condensed tannins and has a relatively high pH
value and total salts content. Used alone, gambier
produces a rather spongy leather; however, when
used in combination with other tannins, such as
wattle extract or myrabolans, it is well suited
for both heavy and light leathers. In England, it
has been used mainly for the tannage of calf and
kip skins. Also known as "catechu," "pale
catechu," and "terra japonica." See also: VEGETABLE TANNINS .
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