Gum Arabic is the trade name for a natural forest product of the genus Acacia and is mainly obtained from Acacia Sengal commonly known as ( Hashab ).

   The species has a wide distribution and remarkable adaptability. It is essentially a semi-arid zone species but, it so adaptable that it is not only drought resistant but also  forest hardy.It can regenerate naturally from seeds or vegetatively from coppices. The main area of its occurrence os the central part of Sudan where is species is uniform in pure stands giving Sudan the advantage of being the biggest producer and exporter of the best quality Gum Arabic, supplying 80% of the annual world requirements.

Another important comparative advantages is that Sudan it occurs both wild and cultivated in wide area giving the advantages if economices of scale.

       Historical Background:

   Gum Arabic was known as an article of commerce since the year 400 B.C. and was widely used in Egypt during the Pharaoh 's Civilization in preparation of ink, water colurs and dyes the name :GUM Arabic was derived from the fact that it was shipped to Europe from Arabian Ports in the old days.  Gum Arabic is the therefore, long established in the world's Markets.