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Indian albizia

Scientific Name: Albizia lebbekoides

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Albizia Species: A Multifaceted Genus

The genus Albizia encompasses a diverse group of trees, with several species holding cultural and economic significance across the globe. This page explores various aspects of these fascinating plants, including their nomenclature, distribution, uses, and interactions with the environment.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Some Albizia species possess seed pods. Small parts, such as seeds, might present a choking hazard.
  • The text mentions the use of Albizia lebbeck bark in traditional medicine. The presence of biologically active compounds warrants caution around pets and children.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: The text references several Albizia species, including:
    • Albizia saman (sometimes treated under the obsolete name Samanea)
    • Albizia julibrissin (Persian Silk Tree)
    • Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.
    • Albizia lebbekoides (DC.) Benth.
    • Albizia odoratissima (L. f.)
  • Common Names: Some commonly used names include:
    • Monkey pod
    • Giant thibet
    • Inga saman
    • Cow tamarind
    • East Indian walnut
    • Soar
    • Suar
    • Indian albizia
    • Indian siris
    • Lebbek tree
    • Rain tree
    • Silk Mimosa
  • Family: Fabaceae (also referenced as Mimosaceae)
  • Synonyms:
    • Mimosa speciosa (referring to Albizia julibrissin)
    • Acacia lebbekoides DC. (synonym of Albizia lebbekoides (DC.) Benth.)
    • Pithecellobium lebbekoides
    • Acacia lebbeck
    • Mimosa lebbeck
    • A latifolia
    • Feuilleea lebbeck

Distribution and Habitat

  • Albizia lebbeck is native to deciduous and semideciduous forests in Asia, from eastern Pakistan through India and Sri Lanka to Burma.
  • Albizia lebbeck (Indian siris) is extensively grown as a shade tree in Queensland, and is native to tropical Asia and Africa, and possibly Cape York.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Albizia lebbeck can attain a height of 30 m and a diameter of 1 m or more.
  • Some Albizia species are deciduous trees reaching up to 25 m in height.
  • The bark can be 20-25 mm thick, yellowish-brown, rough, deeply fissured, and exfoliating in irregular semi-brittle scales.

Ecological Role and Interactions

  • Seasonal fluctuations affect the population of Bruchidius albizziae, an insect that impacts the seeds of Albizzia lebbeck in an Indian desert.
  • Albizia saman has an allelopathic effect on some Indian crop species.
  • Albizia lebbeck is susceptible to wind.

Traditional and Modern Uses

  • In India and Pakistan, Albizia species are used to produce timber.
  • Albizia lebbeck has a long history of use in Indian traditional medicine, particularly for asthma and allergic disorders; the bark is used in bronchitis.
  • Albizia lebbeck is also considered a promising fodder tree for semi-arid regions.
  • The text references studies on the cell stabilizing activity of Albizzia lebbeck and the use of its natural dye on silk.

Further Information

  • Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany, offers collections related to Albizia.
  • Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Albizia lebbekoides.