Siris Tree, Woman's Tongue, East Indian Walnut

Albizia lebbeck

Physical Characteristics

Albizia lebbeck is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid, very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant is not wind tolerant.

Distribution

E. Asia - drier areas of the Indian subcontinent and southeastern Asia to northern Australia.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Gum Edible portion, Seeds, Leaves, Shoots. The young tips are cooked and eaten. They are boiled.

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Astringent Dysentery Skin The leaves and seeds are used in the treatment of eye problems such as ophthalmia[ 303 , 739 ]. The bark is astringent[ 739 ] It is taken internally to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and piles[ 739 ]. The bark is used externally to treat boils[ 303 ]. The flowers are applied locally to maturate boils and alleviate skin eruptions[ 739 ]. The powdered seeds are used to treat scrofula[ 739 ]. Saponin from the pods and roots has spermicidal activity[ 303 ].

Known Hazards

The bark is used as a fish poison[ 730 ]. A red dye obtained from the bark has caused skin irritation[ 730 ]. The pods contain saponin and are not eaten in large amounts by sheep, although cattle eat them readily[ 404 ]. Brittle limbs.