Albizia julibrissin

Albizia julibrissin

Flowers of Albizia julibrissin in New Jersey

Albizia julibrissin, commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa, is a species of tree in the family Fabaceae. It is native to southwestern and eastern Asia, from Iran to China and Korea.

Description

Albizia julibrissin is a small deciduous tree growing to 5–16 m tall, with a broad crown of level or arching branches. The leaves are bipinnate, 20–45 cm long and 12–25 cm broad, divided into 6–12 pairs of pinnae, each with 20–30 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oblong, 1–1.5 cm long and 2–4 mm broad. The flowers are produced throughout the summer in dense inflorescences, the individual flowers with small calyx and corolla (tubular petals) 10–15 mm long, and a prominent stamen cluster 2–3 cm long, white or pink with a white base, looking like silky threads.

Distribution and habitat

Albizia julibrissin is native to a region extending from Iran to China and Korea. It has been widely introduced to other regions, including the United States, where it is often grown as an ornamental tree. It thrives in a variety of soil types and is often found in disturbed areas, roadsides, and urban environments.

Uses

The tree is widely cultivated for its attractive flowers and fern-like foliage. It is often used in landscaping and as a shade tree. In traditional medicine, various parts of the tree are used for their purported health benefits, although scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited.

Ecological impact

In some regions, Albizia julibrissin is considered an invasive species, as it can spread rapidly and outcompete native vegetation. Its ability to fix nitrogen allows it to thrive in poor soils, potentially altering soil chemistry and affecting native plant communities.

Related pages

• Fabaceae
• Invasive species
• Deciduous
• Bipinnate leaves

Gallery

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  Young plant of Albizia julibrissin

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  Copper sunbird on Albizia julibrissin

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  Close-up of Albizia julibrissin flower

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  Flower detail

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  Butterfly on Albizia julibrissin

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  Distribution map of Albizia julibrissin

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  Albizia julibrissin in full bloom

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  Albizia julibrissin

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  Albizia julibrissin

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  Copper sunbird on Albizia julibrissin

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  Albizia julibrissin flower

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  Albizia julibrissin

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  Eurema blanda on Albizia julibrissin

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  Albizia julibrissin

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  Albizia julibrissin