Black siris, Fragrant albizia
Albizia odoratissima

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A tree. The bark is grey with patches. The leaves are alternate. The stalk of the leaf has a black gland near the base. The leaves are 10-20 cm long with 3-8 pairs of pinnae. These are 5-9 cm long and each have 8-20 pairs of leaflets. These leaflets are 1.7-2.5 cm long by 5-10 mm wide. The flower heads are solitary. The flowers are pale yellow. The fruit is a pod 10-30 cm long and 1.7-3.5 cm wide. These are reddish-brown. There are 8-12 seeds.

There are 145-150 Albizia species. They grow in the tropics and subtropics. Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is best in well composted, moist, well-drained soil. It needs a protected, sunny position. It is sensitive to drought and frost. In southern China it grows in thin forests from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andaman Is., Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, East Africa, Himalayas, India (country/location of origin), Indochina, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia, Sikkim, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka (country/location of origin), Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The bark is used for a fermented drink called "Basi" in the Philippines.

Edible parts

Bark - drink, leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Bilvara, Chikunda, Chinduga, Du salen, Hophoan thom, Kakur siris, Kala siris, Kalo, Kalo-siris, Kasuvagei, Khang hung, Len, Mai-kying-lwai, Mai-tawn, Meik-kye, Puli vaga, Sarasio, Taing-magyi, Thit-magyi, Xu'a

Synonyms

Acacia lomatocarpa DC.; Acacia odoratissima (L. f.) Willd.; Albizia micantha Bovin; Albizia odoratissima var. mollis Baker; Feuilleea odoratissima (L. f.) Kuntze; Mimosa odoratissima L. f.;