tara
A vegetable tanning material obtained from the
dried pods of a tree or shrub, Caesalpinia
spinosa, which is found in widespread areas of
north western South America. The tannin content of
the pods is said to range from 35 to 55%. The
principal value of tara is in the tanning of light
leathers, and, under certain circumstances, it may
also be used as a substitute for sumac or gambier
to produce light-colored leathers. Tara is of the
pyrogallol class of tannins, somewhat similar to,
but more astringent than, sumac. Its major
shortcoming seems to he the presence in it of
diffusion-inhibiting mucilaginous material. It is
also used to some extent in dyeing and the
manufacture of ink. See also: VEGETABLE TANNINS .
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