Albizia lebbeck

A rather large tree (the largest of the Albizia species). The trunk is grayish, and the tree’s wood is very strong. The canopy is round and spreading. The tree’s foliage is bipinnate and dark green. The tree flowers at the beginning of summer with attractive yellow pompoms. Its fragrant flowers attract bees, which produce an especially light honey from the flowers’ nectar. After the flowering, flat and relatively long pods appear for a rather long period. These pods are hard and full of seeds that rattle inside, which is the source of the common name “woman’s tongue tree.” It originates from Oceania’s more tropical islands, and accordingly it has difficulty with colder temperatures. Therefore, it will be less successful in high mountain areas. It requires minimal water and is suitable for arid locations. It can be planted in any type of soil, including chalky and saline. The tree’s roots spread aggressively so that it is more suitable for open spaces, not nearby buildings and plumbing. It is definitely not suitable for planting along streets. This is at least as large and aggressive a tree as Ficus macrophylla, if not more so. It is extremely important to choose the right tree for a specific location. It is also important to design the tree when young to prevent a deficient structure that will require aggressive future pruning that will shorten its lifespan and make it a hazard to its surroundings, which is unfortunately rather common in the tree’s upkeep in Israel. The tree is known to have a good effect and cleanse the soil because of its nitrogen-rich leaves so plants will thrive beneath it as well. Accordingly, it is especially recommended for parks, boulevards and groves, to which it will be an attractive and shade-providing addition.

In the same family: Albizia julibrissin »