Bitter albizia, Fine-leafed albizia
Albizia amara

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows about 8 m tall. The crown is open. The bark is brown and cracked. The leaves are compound. They are divided twice. The flowers are cream and in heads. The fruit is a long, flat, brown pod.

Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in bushland on red and sandy soils. It grows between 500-2,000 m above sea level. It grows in areas with a rainfall between 500-800 mm.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, East Africa, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, South Sudan

How it is used for food

The gum is eaten. Sections of the stem are cut, sun dried and added to soups. The leaves are used as an adulterant of tea.

Edible parts

Gum, stem, flower, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Boria, Gisrep, Jireful, Kiundua, Kukutwo, Kukutwo, Kyundua, Mulaca-laca, Muundua, Mwowa, Natje, Nkala, Olperelong'o, Panan gisrip

Synonyms

Mimosa amara Roxb.; and others