SafePlants

Albizia: A Genus of Fast-Growing Trees and Shrubs

Albizia is a genus encompassing approximately 150 species of primarily fast-growing subtropical and tropical trees and shrubs. These plants belong to the subfamily Mimosoideae within the family Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae), commonly called the pea and bean family.

Considerations for Pets

• Some reports suggest Albizia may cause eye and respiratory irritation, although severe reactions are uncommon.

Considerations for Children

• Albizia julibrissin features pods that develop in late fall and into winter.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Albizia
• Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
• Subfamily: Mimosoideae
• Synonyms/Alternative Scientific Names:
  • Acacia lebbeck (L.) Willd.
  • Acacia lebbek (L.) Willd.
  • Acacia macrophylla Bunge
  • Acacia speciosa (Jacq.) Willd.
  • Albizia latifolia B. Boivin
  • Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.

Common Names

• Silk Tree Mimosa (for Albizia julibrissin)
• Amnala
• Brepeul-Valsdoring
• Broad-Pod
• Broadpod Albizia
• Broadpod Falsethorn
• Mupfumbadzi
• Mutsilari
• Rinyani
• South
• Baster-Wag-'n-Bietjie
• Bleekblaar
• Bleekblaarboom
• Bosveld-Valsdoring
• Bushveld Albizia
• Bushveld False-Thorn
• Common False
• Giant Powder Puff
• Naked albizia (for Albizia carbonaria)
• Pink Siris
• Woman's-tongue tree
• Plume albizia (for A. lophantha)

Distribution and Habitat

• Albizia species are found in subtropical and tropical regions.
• Albizia julibrissin is native to Asia (Iran to Japan).
• Albizia adianthifolia is native to Africa and Madagascar.

Ecological Role

• Some Albizia species, such as Albizia julibrissin, can become invasive in certain environments. They readily colonize areas and can be difficult to remove once established. The fast growth rate of some species, especially in Hawaii, contributes to their invasiveness.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Albizia species are typically fast-growing trees and shrubs.
• They can be deciduous or semi-evergreen.
• Leaves are often described as fern-like.
• Flowers are frequently puffy and can be pink, green, or yellow.
• Albizia julibrissin is a medium-sized deciduous tree with bipinnate leaves, resembling mimosa foliage. It features fluffy rose-pink flower-heads with prominent stamens.
• Albizia lebbeck grows to about 24 m tall and bears pods 23-30 cm long.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Albizia odoratissima and A. procera are noted for interactions with Bruchidae (Coleoptera), which act as pests to their pods and seeds.

Quirky Facts

• The flowers and bark of the mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin) have traditional uses in Chinese botanicals for relieving anxiety, stress, and depression.
• Albizia lebbeck is known as the "woman's-tongue tree," presumably due to the sound of its long seed pods clattering in the wind.