Albizia adianthifolia

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

This is a large deciduous tree with a spreading, flat crown, growing to a height of. A profusion of bright green leaves and heavily scented, fluffy flowers are produced in winter or spring. The leaves are twice compound with the leaflets being 2–5 x 8 mm in size. This tree favours sandy soils in warm, high rainfall areas. In South Africa it is found in KwaZulu-Natal [Coastal Lowland Forest|coastal lowland forests].

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. The trees usually produce abundant seeds which are easily grown in sandy soil.

Ecological significance

s browse the leaves of these trees and blue duiker favour the leaves and seedpods as food. The larvae of the satyr charaxes butterfly feed on the leaves of these trees.