SafePlants

Albizia: A Diverse Genus of Trees and Shrubs

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

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Albizia
• Subfamily: Mimosoideae
• Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Some species previously classified within Albizia may now be found in the Ingeae group. Specific examples include:
  • Acacia lebbeck (L.) Willd. (also listed as Acacia lebbek (L.) Willd. and Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.)
  • Acacia macrophylla Bunge
  • Acacia speciosa (Jacq.) Willd.
  • Albizia latifolia B. Boivin

Considerations for Pets

• Some Albizia species have been reported to cause eye and respiratory irritation.

Common Species and Varieties

• Albizia julibrissin (Silk Tree Mimosa): A popular species known for its showy pink flowers and mimosa-like leaves.
• Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Pink Siris): A variety of Albizia julibrissin with rose-pink flower heads.
• Albizia adianthifolia: An African and Madagascan species within the pea and bean family.
• Albizia carbonaria (Giant Powder Puff, Naked Albizia): A rare subtropical tree similar to Albizia julibrissin but larger.
• Albizia odoratissima: Mentioned as a multipurpose tree species.
• Albizia procera: Mentioned as a multipurpose tree species.
• Albizia lebbeck (Siris, Woman's-Tongue Tree): Native to tropical Asia and Australia, known for its long seed pods.
• Albizia lophantha (Plume Albizia)
• Albizia versicolor
• Albizia arunachalensis

Common Names

• Silk Tree Mimosa (for Albizia julibrissin)
• Pink Siris (for Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea')
• Giant Powder Puff, Naked Albizia (for Albizia carbonaria)
• Siris, Woman's-Tongue Tree (for Albizia lebbeck)
• Amnala, Brepeul-Valsdoring, Broad-Pod, Broadpod Albizia, Broadpod Falsethorn, Mupfumbadzi, Mutsilari, Rinyani, South (Common Names for unspecified species)
• Baster-Wag-&#39n-Bietjie, Bleekblaar, Bleekblaarboom, Bosveld-Valsdoring, Bushveld Albizia, Bushveld False-Thorn, Common False (Common Names for unspecified species)

Distribution and Habitat

• Albizia species are found in subtropical and tropical regions around the world.
• Albizia adianthifolia is distributed in tropical Africa and southern Africa.
• Albizia julibrissin is native to Asia (Iran to Japan).
• Albizia lebbeck is native to tropical Asia and Australia.

Ecological Role

• Some Albizia species, like Albizia julibrissin, can be invasive in certain environments. In Hawaii, Albizia was identified as a primary cause of damage to houses following Tropical Storm Iselle.
• Albizia species readily colonize disturbed areas.

Morphological Characteristics

• Albizia species are typically deciduous or semievergreen trees.
• They have fern-like leaves that can be dark green or yellowish-green.
• Flowers are puffy and can be pink, green, or yellow. Albizia julibrissin features fluffy rose-pink flower-heads with prominent stamens.
• Albizia lebbeck bears pods that are 23-30 cm long.
• Albizia julibrissin has bipinnate leaves.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Albizia odoratissima and Albizia procera can be affected by Bruchidae (Coleoptera) as pests of pods and seeds.

Traditional Uses

• The flowers and bark of Albizia julibrissin have been used in Chinese botanicals for relieving anxiety, stress, and depression.
• Albizia lebbeck is well known in the Indian subcontinent for its range of uses.
• Albizia plays an important role in both commercial and traditional farming systems in many sites in Indonesia, particularly in the wood panel and plywood industries.

Quirky Facts

• Albizia lebbeck is also known as "Woman's-Tongue Tree" because its long seed pods "clatter in the wind".

Further Information

• Kajita et al. (2001) conducted a molecular analysis of Albizia.