Aem
Albizia myriophylla

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A creeper or small tree. It can grow 4 m tall. The young shoots are dark brown. The leaves are twice divided. They are 15-20 cm long and bright green. There are 10-15 pairs of pinnae. There are 30-40 pairs of leaflets. These are small and narrow. The flowers are in the axils of leaves and at the end of branches. They are in round and are greenish-yellow. The pods are 15-20 cm logn with 3-6 seeds. The seeds are flat, smooth and light brown.

There are 145-150 Albizia species. They grow in the tropics and subtropics. Also as Mimosaceae. It is used in medicine. It has antifungal properties. The bark is used as an antibacterial. It has potential uses for diabetes.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, India, Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The bark has been used to make an alcoholic drink. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer. It contains a natural sweetener. The roots is used as a substitute for liquorice.

Edible parts

Bark - condiment, spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cha aem thai, Kheua han khao, Krai sar, Nwe-cho, Songrang nhieu-la, Tebu gajah, Telooleya, Themra maizu

Synonyms

Albizia microphylla J. F. Macbr.; Albizia myriopylla var. foliolosa Baker; Albizia thorelii Pierre; Albizia thorelii Pierre; Albizia vialeana var. thorelii (Pierre) P. H. Ho; Mimosa microphylla Roxb.;