Shirish or Lebbek tree, Albizia lebbeck
Shirish or Lebbek tree (Albizia lebbeck, family: Fabaceae) is a large deciduous tree with spreading crown, attaining a height of 15-20 m. The black bark tree is native to Bangladesh as well as Southeast Asia and Australia.
Common names: Shirish, Siris, Kalo koroi, Lebbek tree, Frywood.
Leaves bipinnate with a large gland on the base of petiole, pinnae 2-5 pairs. Leaflets 2.5-4 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide, ovate, oblong, pale green. Flowers bloom in April-June.
Flowers are very fragrant, greenish white, heads globose, containing many flowers. Stamens are longer than petals and sepals.
The fruit is a legume, 12-30 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. It contains 6-12 seeds. Propagation of the plant is caused by seeds. Albizia lebbeck is a good timber tree, fast growing and suitable for a forestation. Bark prevents skin diseases and leaf night blindness. It is also useful in tuberculosis, diarrhea and leprosy.
I think this entry need revision, I am in doubt that the pictures and description here are of albizia procera rather than albizia lebbeck. Please check and revise.
ReplyDeleteSorry, ignore the previous comment, it is Albizia Lebbeck, other names include - কড়ই, সৃষ্টিকড়ই, এন্ডিকড়ই; ; while Albizia procera is commonly known as white siris. Bark smooth, pale grey-green, yellowish-green, yellowish-brown or brown with horizontal ridges; underbark green, changing to orange just below the surface; inner bark pink or straw coloured; branches terete, glabrous. Fruits rich red or reddish-brown. By the way, is Albizia odoratissima black siris or Shil korai?
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