Albizia adianthifolia aka West African Albizia
Taxonomy ID: 8951
Albizia adianthifolia is a deciduous tree in the bean family, Fabaceae. Its native range spans tropical and southern Africa, plus eastern Madagascar. It grows in wet forest, dry forest, and wooded savannah. It also occurs along roads, at forest edges, and on abandoned farmland. These habitats reach heights of about 6,560 feet [2,000 metres] above sea level. Kew places it in the seasonally dry tropical biome.
The tree forms a broad crown with a flat top. Useful Tropical Plants lists a height of about 49 feet [15 metres]. Its wider reported height range is 13–98 feet [4–30 metres]. The source does not set out a distinct garden height range. Its broad canopy makes it useful as a shade tree. Trees left from former woodland can survive in urban gardens. The tree sheds its leaves rather than keeping them year-round.
Insects pollinate the flowers, and the fruit takes the form of pods. Each pod measures about 0.30–0.62 feet [0.09–0.19 metres] long. The seeds inside are flat. People eat the young leaves as a vegetable. They also use the seeds to make a sauce. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards for this species. That report does not establish that all plant parts are safe to eat. The supplied sources give no specific pest or disease problems.
This tree grows across a wide range of tropical conditions. It does best where daytime temperatures average 22–28°C through the year. The source gives a broader tolerated range of 15–34°C. It favours annual rainfall of 1,500–2,500 millimetres. It accepts many soil types but prefers deep, fertile, sandy ground. It can cope with short periods of flooding. The preferred soil pH is 4.5–6.5. Young plants need strong light and may die in shade. Hard seed coats may need treatment to help seeds sprout.
Beyond shade and food, the tree supplies wood and bark gum. People use the wood for light building work and carved goods. The gum has uses in local cosmetics. Several plant parts have roles in African traditional medicine. These uses do not establish that home treatments are safe or effective. The species also has potential for planting alongside crops. Useful Tropical Plants reports a 2013 conservation assessment of Least Concern.
Common names
West African Albizia, Flat Crown, Flat Crown Albizia, Rough Bark Flat Crown, PlatkroonMore information about West African Albizia
How difficult is Albizia adianthifolia to grow?
Albizia adianthifolia is moderately easy to grow in suitable climates but has specific requirements. It needs frost-free conditions and full sun exposure to thrive. The tree is fast-growing (up to 2 meters per year) once established, and its nitrogen-fixing ability means it improves soil fertility. However, it requires space for its wide-spreading crown and is only suitable for tropical to subtropical gardens in USDA zones 10-12.
How do I propagate Albizia adianthifolia?
Propagation is primarily by seed. Soak seeds overnight in warm water to improve germination, which helps soften the hard seed coat. Sow in a mixture of sand and compost (5:1 ratio) and expect around 60% germination success. Seedlings develop a taproot, so transplant carefully to permanent positions while young. Water every 2-3 days during establishment. Vegetative propagation via root cuttings is also possible but less common.
How large does Albizia adianthifolia grow?
This is a fast-growing deciduous tree that typically reaches 4-30 meters in height, though exceptional specimens can exceed 40 meters. It develops a distinctive flat-topped, wide-spreading crown that gives it the common name 'Flat Crown'. Growth rate is rapid in early years, approximately 2 meters annually, attributed to its nitrogen-fixing root nodules and mycorrhizal associations. The trunk is tall and straight with grey to reddish-brown bark.
Where is Albizia adianthifolia native to?
Albizia adianthifolia is native to tropical and southern Africa, plus Madagascar. Its range extends from Senegal in West Africa to Ethiopia in East Africa, and southward through Central Africa to the northern Eastern Cape of South Africa. It occurs naturally in countries including Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The tree typically grows in moist tropical forests, woodland margins, and along streams, usually at elevations of 250-1,700 meters.
When and how does Albizia adianthifolia flower?
Albizia adianthifolia flowers in spring (September-November in the Southern Hemisphere). The tree produces a profusion of heavily scented, fluffy, puffball-like flower heads. Individual flowers are whitish to greenish-white with distinctive reddish staminal tubes, arranged in relatively large half-spherical clusters. The fragrant blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators. Following flowering, thin flat pods develop containing brown seeds.
Can Albizia adianthifolia be grown outdoors?
Albizia adianthifolia must be grown outdoors as it is far too large for container cultivation. It thrives in frost-free tropical to subtropical climates, suitable for USDA zones 10-12. The tree tolerates temperatures between 15-34°C (optimal 22-28°C) and requires annual rainfall of 900-4,000mm, preferring 1,500-2,500mm. It is not cold-hardy and should not be planted in areas with frost. In suitable climates, it makes an excellent shade tree for large gardens and is commonly used in agroforestry systems.
What temperature does Albizia adianthifolia need?
Albizia adianthifolia requires warm, frost-free conditions. The optimal temperature range is 22-28°C, though it tolerates temperatures from 15-34°C. It is restricted to tropical and subtropical regions and cannot survive frost. In South Africa, it occurs naturally in frost-free areas and is unsuitable for cold highland regions. Plant in sheltered positions if marginal temperatures are expected.
Is Albizia adianthifolia edible?
Albizia adianthifolia has limited edibility (rated 2/5). The seeds are edible and traditionally used in southern African cuisine to prepare a sauce. Young leaves can also be consumed. However, it's important to note that the bark is toxic and should never be eaten. Only consume properly prepared seeds and young leaves from this species.
What are the medicinal uses of Albizia adianthifolia?
Albizia adianthifolia is an important traditional medicinal plant in Africa (rated 3/5 for medicinal value). Bark preparations are used to treat skin diseases, bronchitis, inflamed eyes, and snakebite. Powdered bark addresses headaches, sinusitis, and tapeworm infections. However, the bark contains toxic saponins (triterpene compounds) and should only be used under expert guidance. Scientific research has identified cytotoxic compounds that may have future pharmaceutical applications.
What other uses does Albizia adianthifolia have?
Beyond food and medicine, Albizia adianthifolia has significant practical applications (rated 3/5 for other uses). The golden-yellow, straight-grained timber is valued for parquet flooring and general carpentry. It's widely planted as a shade tree in tea and cacao plantations. As a nitrogen-fixing legume, it improves soil fertility and is used for erosion control on hillsides.
How is Albizia adianthifolia pollinated?
Albizia adianthifolia is pollinated by insects, particularly bees. The fragrant, fluffy white flowers attract various pollinators. Studies on related Albizia species show bees (including Apis dorsata, Apis florea, and Amegilla species) are the primary pollinators. The tree also attracts butterflies, with Charaxes butterfly larvae feeding on the foliage. The heavily scented flowers enhance pollinator attraction during the spring flowering period.
What pests and diseases affect Albizia adianthifolia?
Albizia adianthifolia is generally robust but has some notable pest interactions. Charaxes butterfly larvae feed on the foliage, though this is typically not damaging to established trees. The tree is particularly popular with elephants where they share habitat. While generally disease-resistant, young trees may be susceptible to fungal issues in overly wet conditions. The main conservation concern is human activity - increasing bark harvesting for traditional medicine is causing localized pressure on wild populations.
Does Albizia adianthifolia need fertilizer?
Albizia adianthifolia has minimal fertilizer requirements due to its nitrogen-fixing ability. The roots form nodules containing Bradyrhizobium bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms. Additionally, the tree associates with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi that enhance nutrient uptake. These symbiotic relationships allow the tree to thrive in relatively poor soils and even improve soil fertility for surrounding plants. In most situations, supplemental fertilization is unnecessary.
Does Albizia adianthifolia have a scent?
Yes, Albizia adianthifolia produces heavily scented flowers. The fluffy, puffball-like flower clusters emit a notable fragrance during the spring flowering period (September-November). This fragrance helps attract insect pollinators including bees and butterflies.
Sources
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