Gum Karaya (Sterculia urens) is a soft wooded tree that grows on hills and dry areas of the North and Central India at an altitude of 30 feet. It is characterized by glossy, grayish-white bark and large leaves.
Gum Karaya is reported to be a laxative. Powdered Karaya Gum is used as a denture adhesive, which is resistant both to bacteria and to the enzymes of the mouth. The tender roots are also useful as famine food.
It is also known as Indian Tragacanth and Sterculia Gum.
