| Albizia adianthifolia | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Albizia |
| Species: | A. adianthifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Albizia adianthifolia (Schumach.) W.F.Wight |
|
Albizia adianthifolia is a tree in the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as the Flat-crown. Its range extends from eastern South Africa to Tropical Africa.
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This is a large deciduous tree with a spreading, flat crown, growing to a height of 25 metres (82 ft).[1] A profusion of bright green leaves and heavily scented, fluffy flowers are produced in winter or spring.[2] The leaves are twice compound with the leaflets being 2-5 x 8 mm in size.[3] This tree favours sandy soils in warm, high rainfall areas. In South Africa it is found in coastal lowland forests.[4]
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.[5] The trees usually produce abundant seeds which are easily grown in sandy soil.[6]
Elephants browse the leaves of these trees and Blue Duiker favour the leaves and seedpods as food.[7] The larvae of the Satyr Charaxes butterfly (Charaxes ethalion) feed on the leaves of these trees.[8]