Albizia adianthifolia
| Albizia adianthifolia | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Caesalpinioideae |
| Clade: | Mimosoid clade |
| Genus: | Albizia |
| Species: | A. adianthifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) W.F.Wight | |
Albizia adianthifolia is a tree in the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as the flat-crown. Its range extends from eastern South Africa to Tropical Africa.
Description
[edit]This is a large deciduous tree with a spreading, flat crown, growing to a height of 25 metres (82 ft).[1] A profusion of bright green leaves and heavily scented, fluffy flowers are produced in winter or spring.[2] The leaves are twice compound with the leaflets being 2–5 x 8 mm in size.[1] This tree favours sandy soils in warm, high rainfall areas. In South Africa it is found in coastal lowland forests.[1]
Cultivation
[edit]Albizia adianthifolia is cultivated as an ornamental tree. The attractive habit of these trees makes them a popular garden tree, often being retained as a native plant in suburban gardens when other indigenous vegetation is removed.[2] The trees usually produce abundant seeds which are easily grown in sandy soil.[2]
Ecological significance
[edit]Elephants browse the leaves of these trees and blue duiker favour the leaves and seedpods as food.[1] The larvae of the satyr charaxes butterfly (Charaxes ethalion) feed on the leaves of these trees.[3]
See also
[edit]Gallery
[edit]
Trunk of Albizia adianthifolia
Branches and canopy
New foliage and flowers
Foliage and a green pod
Mature pods and leaves
An open pod with seeds
References
[edit]