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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
fast growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
high
Salinity/ppm :
very high (6000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree
Height
:
12 m-25 m
Spread
:
12 m-18 m
Foliage
:
deciduous
FLOWER
Colour
:
stamens: pale
yellow
Size
:
2 cm
Period
:
May - September
Smell
:
scented, strong,
gives freely of its
scent, flower
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
pod
Fruit size
:
20 cm - 30 cm
Toxicity
:
inedible
When in good leaf, this is one of Arriyadh’s most reliable and attractive trees. Its compact growth
and wide-spreading crown make it an ideal shade tree. It has bright, green foliage with large
leaves that close up at night. From spring to autumn, the clusters of delicate, powder-puff flowers
are very fragrant, particularly in the evening, deepening in colour with age. Often still on the
tree during flowering and in winter, the flat pods, containing dark, round seeds, are prominent,
and remain on the tree when the leaves have dropped, rattling in the wind. Their chattering
noise has earned the tree the English common name of ‘Woman’s Tongue’. Unfortunately, owing
to shedding of leaves during the hot summer months, the tree can take on a rather desiccated
appearance, although this will be improved with regular irrigation. The root system is wide, but
shallow. Fertilisation will maintain the lush green foliage and flowering, adding an accent to an
arid landscape. A. lebbeck (known in Arabic as Labakh) is often planted in agricultural areas for
shade, fodder and fuel wood, and produces dark-brown timber. It is an excellent tree for large
gardens, parks and urban open spaces, and especially for roadside planting. Selective pruning
of no more than 20% of foliage during the dormant season is necessary during the initial years
to retain its shape and maintain a balanced branch framework. Plant during the winter: large
specimens, especially those bare-rooted, may be slow to get started.
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Albizia lebbeck,
Mimosaceae
Woman’s Tongue,
labakh, daqn al basha