Gum Karaya is the dried exudate of the tree Sterculiacurens. It can be obtained in two physical forms i.e., curved ribbons about 5-10 cm. in length and flakes.

Gum Karaya is a partially acetylated high molecular weight polysaccharide which contains L-rhamnose, D-galacturonic acid and D-glucuronic acid residues (44). Gum Karaya is the least soluble gum exudates and does not dissolve completely in water to give true solutions, but swells in cold water to give viscous solutions. Gum Karaya is compatible with most other plant hydrocolloids and proteins.