Acacia nilotica, commonly known as Babul, Gum Arabic Tree, or Indian Thorn Tree, is a hardy, fast-growing deciduous tree native to Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East. Renowned for its thorny branches, dense canopy, and multiple ecological and economic uses, it is widely cultivated in dry and semi-arid regions for fodder, firewood, gum production, and reforestation.

This species is part of the Fabaceae family and contributes to soil enrichment through nitrogen fixation, making it a valuable component of agroforestry and land rehabilitation systems.