Albizia adianthifolia
Albizia adianthifolia | |
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Species: | A. adianthifolia
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Binomial name | |
Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) W.F.Wight
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Albizia adianthifolia is a tree in the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as the Flat-crown. Its range extends from eastern South Africa to Tropical Africa.
Description
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.[3] This tree favours sandy soils in warm, high rainfall areas. In South Africa it is found in coastal lowland forests.[4]
Cultivation
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.[5] The trees usually produce abundant seeds which are easily grown in sandy soil.[6]
Ecological Significance
Elephants browse the leaves of these trees and Blue Duiker favour the leaves and seedpods as food.[7] The larvae of the Satyr Charaxes butterfly (Charaxes ethalion) feed on the leaves of these trees.[8]
See also
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
Gallery
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Trunk of Albizia adianthifolia
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Branches and canopy
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New foliage and flowers
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Foliage and a green pod
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Mature pods and leaves
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An open pod with seeds
References
- ^ Pooley, E. (1993). The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei. ISBN 0-620-17697-0.
- ^ Purves, M. (2010)
- ^ Pooley, E. (1993). The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei. ISBN 0-620-17697-0.
- ^ Pooley, E. (1993). The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei. ISBN 0-620-17697-0.
- ^ Purves, M. (2010)
- ^ Purves, M. (2010)
- ^ Pooley, E. (1993). The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei. ISBN 0-620-17697-0.
- ^ Williams, M. (1994). Butterflies of Southern Africa: A Field Guide. ISBN 1-86812-516-5.