Indian Tragacanth (Karaya)

Indian tragacanth is a deciduous tree of the mallow family native to India, with a pale, papery trunk that gives it the Marathi name ghost tree. It grows in the dry, rocky hills of central and southern India and has broad lobed leaves and small yellowish flowers.

Its trunk yields gum karaya, known as Katira, which swells in water. It is used in Indian food and traditional preparations as a cooling drink and to support digestion. The gum is the part used.