SafePlants

Albizia: A Botanical Overview

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 or the pea and bean family).

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the presence of seed pods in some species.
• Some Albizia species are known to colonize readily.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions the presence of seed pods in some species.
• Some Albizia species are known to colonize readily.
• The text mentions potential eye and respiratory irritation.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Albizia
• Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
• Subfamily: Mimosoideae
• Synonyms and Alternative Names:
  • Acacia lebbeck (L.) Willd. (mentioned as a species previously classified within Acacia)
  • Acacia lebbek (L.) Willd.
  • Acacia macrophylla Bunge
  • Acacia speciosa (Jacq.) Willd.
  • Albizia latifolia B. Boivin
  • Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.

Common Names

• Silk Tree, Mimosa (referring to Albizia julibrissin)
• Amnala
• Brepeul-Valsdoring
• Broad-Pod
• Broadpod Albizia
• Broadpod Falsethorn
• Mupfumbadzi
• Mutsilari
• Rinyani
• South
• Baster-Wag-&#39n-Bietjie
• Bleekblaar
• Bleekblaarboom
• Bosveld-Valsdoring
• Bushveld Albizia
• Bushveld False-Thorn
• Common False
• Giant Powder Puff, Naked albizia (referring to ALBIZIA CARBONARIA)
• Pink Siris (referring to Albizia julibrissin rosea)
• Woman's-tongue tree (referring to A. lebbek)
• Plume albizia (referring to A. lophantha)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to subtropical and tropical regions.
• Albizia julibrissin is native to Iran to Japan.
• Albizia adianthifolia is native to Africa and Madagascar.

Ecological Role

• Some Albizia species, particularly Albizia julibrissin, can become invasive due to their fast growth and prolific seeding. They can cause significant damage during storms.
• The genus has become a dumping ground for unrelated species in the Ingeae.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Albizia species can be deciduous trees, shrubs, or climbers.
• They typically have attractive bipinnate leaves with tiny leaflets.
• They produce flowerheads composed of many small flowers.
• Albizia julibrissin has delicate, finely cut, bronze purple foliage and feathery purple and cream blooms.
• Albizia julibrissin is a fast-growing plant.
• Albizia spp. are deciduous and semievergreen trees with dark green or yellowish-green fernlike leaves and puffy pink, green, or yellow flowers.
• Trees have dark green or yellowish-green fernlike leaves.
• Some species have an open, spreading habit and delicate, lacy, almost fern-like foliage.

Traditional and Contemporary Uses

• The flowers and bark of Albizia julibrissin are used in Chinese botanicals for relieving anxiety, stress, and depression.
• Albizia plays a role in commercial and traditional farming systems in Indonesia.
• Albizia lebbeck is well known in the Indian subcontinent for its range of uses.

Additional Information

• Albizia seeds have no real dormancy to break down.