SafePlants

Albizia amara: Bitter Albizia and More

Albizia amara, a member of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family, is known by several common names, including bitter albizia, Krishna Siris, and oil cake tree. This deciduous tree has a long history of traditional use, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine.

Considerations for Pets

• Albizia amara is a much-branched tree.
• Bark is rough and scaly.

Considerations for Children

• Albizia amara is a much-branched tree.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Albizia amara (Roxb.) B.Boivin
• Family: Fabaceae (also referred to as Leguminosae)
• Subfamily: Mimosoideae
• Synonyms:
  • Acacia amara Willd.
  • Acacia nellyrenza Wight & Arn.
  • Acacia wightii Wight & Arn.
  • Mimosa amara Roxb.
  • Mimosa pulchella Roxb.
  • Albizia gracilifolia Harms
  • Albizia sericocephala Benth.
  • Albizia struthiophylla Milne-Redh.
• Subspecies: Several subspecies are recognized, including:
  • Albizia amara subsp. sericophylla (Benth.) Brenan
  • Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala (Benth.) Brenan

Distribution and Habitat

• Albizia amara is found in southern and Eastern Africa, ranging from South Africa to Sudan and Ethiopia.
• It is also native to India and Sri Lanka.
• Typically found in dry forests and foothills up to 1200m.

Morphological Characteristics

• Albizia amara is a small to moderate-sized, much-branched deciduous tree.
• It typically reaches a height of 3 to 6 meters, but can grow up to 13 meters.
• The bark is thin, grey, rough, and scaly.
• Branchlets are brown and pubescent.
• Leaves are bipinnate and alternate, with 4-46 pairs of pinnae and up to 4 mm long leaflets.

Traditional Uses and Research

• In traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda, Folk, and Sidha), the bark of Albizia amara has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases.
• Research has explored the antihyperlipidemic potential of the bark.
• Studies have investigated the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of compounds like budmunchiamine-A (BUA) isolated from Albizia amara.
• Extracts from the seeds have been shown to interact with DNA.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Studies suggest the alkaloids found in Albizia amara may inhibit the growth of certain fungi.

Quirky Facts

• The name "bitter valsdoring" is one of the common names for Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala, showcasing its presence in Afrikaans-speaking regions.
• The tree's leaves are described as "bipinnate," which means they are divided twice, resembling feathers within feathers!

Further Information

• ResearchGate
• USDA Plant Hardiness Map
• National Museums of Kenya