Siris Tree
Albizia lebbeck
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Pl. 3665 — Albizia lebbeck
Albizia lebbeckAlbizia lebbeckAlbizia lebbeckAlbizia lebbeckAlbizia lebbeckAlbizia lebbeckAlbizia lebbeckAlbizia lebbeckAlbizia lebbeckAlbizia lebbeckAlbizia lebbeckAlbizia lebbeckAlbizia lebbeckAlbizia lebbeck
IOverview
Overview
The Siris Tree, scientifically known as Albizia lebbeck, is a deciduous tree native to the Maldives and has been introduced to regions such as the Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, East Himalaya, India, and Myanmar. Thriving in full sun, the Siris Tree can grow in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, making it adaptable to different growing conditions. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11 and can grow up to 15 meters tall, making it a fast-growing pioneer species. The tree serves multiple purposes, including alcohol production, biomass, fire starter, dye, animal feed, gum, pest control, soap, erosion control, tannin, lumber, coppice, and nitrogen fixation. Its distinctive edible parts include leaves, seeds, and shoots, making it a valuable resource in certain areas. While the Siris Tree is not medicinal, it should be used with caution due to its potential as a weed.
Quick answers
What is Siris Tree?
The Siris Tree, scientifically known as Albizia lebbeck, is a deciduous tree native to the Maldives and has been introduced to regions such as the Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, East Himalaya, India, and Myanmar.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Siris Tree thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-11 on the USDA Hardiness Zone scale. To propagate, use leaves, seeds, or shoots. This tree grows to about 15 meters and is native to areas including Maldives, Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, East Himalaya, India, and Myanmar.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-11
Habit
Tree
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Siris Tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a Siris Tree to add shade and beauty to your garden, suitable for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Siris tree sapling, a small trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early summer when the weather is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining spot with light soil. Amend heavy clay soil with sand.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling carefully, ensuring the root ball stays intact.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize once in spring with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to shape the tree and remove dead branches as needed, usually done after flowering.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:AlcoholBiomassFire starterDyeAnimal feedGumPest controlPioneerSoapErosion controlTanninLumberCoppiceNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 117 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 117 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 11 native· 117 introduced
Asia25 regions
native (7)BangladeshIndiaMaldivesMyanmarNepalPakistanSri Lanka
introduced (18)AfghanistanBangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaIranIraqMyanmarNepalOmanPakistanPhilippinesSaudi ArabiaSri LankaTaiwanThailandVietnamYemen
Americas17 regions
introduced (17)BahamasBelizeColombiaCubaDominican RepublicEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiJamaicaNicaraguaPeruPuerto RicoSurinameUnited StatesVenezuela
Africa34 regions
introduced (34)AngolaBeninBurkina FasoCameroonChadComorosCôte d'IvoireDjiboutiEgyptEthiopiaGabonGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaLiberiaMadagascarMalawiMaliMauritiusMozambiqueNigerNigeriaSenegalSeychellesSierra LeoneSomaliaSudanTanzaniaTogoUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
Oceania3 regions
introduced (3)FijiNew CaledoniaTonga
Broader regions
native:Andaman Is., East Himalaya, West Himalaya
introduced:Andaman Is., Aruba, Borneo, Caroline Is., Central African Repu, Chagos Archipelago, Congo, Cook Is., East Himalaya, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, Jawa, KwaZulu-Natal, Leeward Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Marianas, Marquesas, Marshall Is., Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Netherlands Antilles, New Guinea, Northern Provinces, Northern Territory, Panamá, Queensland, Réunion, Rodrigues, Society Is., Sulawesi, Sumatera, Trinidad-Tobago, Tuamotu, Tubuai Is., Venezuelan Antilles, West Himalaya, Western Australia, Windward Is., Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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