Overview of Albizia altissima Hook.f.
Albizia altissima Hook.f. is a tree species that belongs the Fabaceae family and is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the regions of Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall.
Common Names
The tree has several common names, including White Siris, Kalukalumpit, and Kattala, among others.
General Appearance
The tree has a broad, spreading crown covered with finely-textured leaves that are green and glossy. The leaves are bipinnate, meaning they have small leaflets that are arranged along a central rachis. The tree produces small white to yellow flowers that bloom from November to March. After flowering, the tree produces flat brown pods that contain black seeds.
Uses
The Albizia altissima Hook.f. has several uses in traditional medicine. Its bark, leaves, and flowers are used to treat various ailments like fever, cough, colds, and skin irritations. The tree's wood is also highly valued for its strength and durability. It is used in construction, for furniture-making, and as fuel wood. Additionally, the tree has significant cultural and religious value in the regions where it is found.
Growth Conditions of Albizia Altissima Hook.f.
Albizia altissima Hook.f. is commonly known as the tall albizia or the East Indian walnut. It is a species of deciduous tree that is native to Southeast Asia. The tree is fast-growing and can reach a height of up to 30 meters. It is commonly grown in parks, gardens, and along roadsides for its ornamental value.
Light Requirements
Albizia altissima Hook.f. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with hot and dry climates, it is recommended to provide partial shade to prevent sunburned foliage and stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Albizia altissima Hook.f. is between 20-35°C. It can tolerate an occasional frost, but young trees are sensitive to frost and should be protected during cold weather conditions. They should also be watered well during dry and hot seasons to prevent damage from drought and heat stress.
Soil Requirements
Albizia altissima Hook.f. prefers well-draining soils that are deep, fertile, and rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clayey soils, but it thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The tree can also tolerate soils that are slightly saline or alkaline.
It is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as this can cause root rot. Regular fertilization with nitrogen-rich fertilizers is recommended to promote healthy growth and development of the tree.
Cultivation Methods for Albizia Altissima Hook.f.
Albizia altissima Hook.f. can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
Seeds can be sown in nursery beds during the rainy season. They should be sown in lines 30 cm apart and covered with a thin layer of soil. The bed should be watered regularly and kept moist. The seedlings can be transplanted after six months.
Cuttings are best taken during the monsoon season. The cuttings should be around 25-30 cm long and taken from mature trees. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in nursery beds with good drainage. The beds should be watered regularly and kept moist. The cuttings should start rooting within six weeks and can be transplanted after six months.
Watering Needs for Albizia Altissima Hook.f.
Albizia altissima Hook.f. grows well in areas with good rainfall and well-drained soil. However, young plants need adequate watering during the first year of growth.
Watering should be done regularly, especially during the dry season, to ensure that the soil remains moist. The plant should not be watered excessively as this can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization of Albizia Altissima Hook.f.
Albizia altissima Hook.f. does not require much fertilization in the first few years of growth. However, as the plant matures, it can benefit from the application of organic fertilizers.
The fertilizers should be applied during the rainy season. Manure or compost should be applied evenly around the base of the plant, ensuring that it does not touch the stem. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers can also be applied in small quantities.
The amount of fertilizer applied should be increased gradually as the plant grows older.
Pruning of Albizia Altissima Hook.f.
Albizia altissima Hook.f. does not require regular pruning. However, pruning can be done to remove dead or diseased branches.
Pruning should be done during the dry season when the plant is dormant. The cuts should be made with sharp and clean pruners, and pruning wounds should be treated with a fungicide to prevent fungal infections.
Pruning should not be done excessively as this can lead to reduced growth and yield.
Propagation of Albizia altissima Hook.f.
Albizia altissima Hook.f., also known as the tall albizia or East Indian walnut, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The tree is endemic to China and other Asian countries and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value and timber. Propagation is one of the most important aspects of propagating Albizia altissima Hook.f. Here are some of its propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the easiest and most common methods of propagating Albizia altissima Hook.f. The seeds are usually collected from ripe capsules during the fall season when the capsules begin to dry out and open up. The collected seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until sowing. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24-48 hours to soften the hard seed coat. After soaking, the seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination. The germination rate of Albizia altissima Hook.f. seeds is usually high, and seedlings grow quickly.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are also an effective method of propagation for Albizia altissima Hook.f. Cuttings from the tree should be collected from the branches that are hard and woody. The best time to collect cuttings is during the early spring season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormones to promote root growth and then planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm until they begin to root. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Albizia altissima Hook.f. This method involves the selection of a suitable branch that is about 1-2 years old. A section of the bark and cambium layer is removed from the branch, and a rooting hormone is applied to the exposed area. The exposed area is then wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic wrap to create a humid environment. After a few weeks, roots will form, and the branch can be removed from the parent plant and planted in well-draining soil.
Propagation of Albizia altissima Hook.f. is an easy process with high success rates, making it an ideal plant for propagation by both beginners and experienced plantsmen. Choose the propagation method that works best for you and enjoy growing this beautiful tree!
Disease Management
Albizia altissima Hook.f. is relatively tolerant to diseases. However, certain conditions can promote the development of foliar diseases such as:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by several fungi species that thrive on moist plant tissues. To manage the disease, prune the infected leaves and dispose of them. Also, avoid overhead irrigation and keep the plant canopy dry.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease typically causes dead tissues on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage anthracnose, prune the infected parts and dispose of them. Also, apply fungicides as recommended, increase air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
- Sooty mold: This fungal disease darkens the leaves and interferes with the plant's ability to make food through photosynthesis. To manage the disease, prune affected leaves, increase air circulation, and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the mold.
Pest Management
Albizia altissima Hook.f. is vulnerable to a few pests, but none of them are considered devastating. Some common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects suck plant juices leading to stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage aphids, apply insecticide, use insecticidal soap, or introduce predators such as lady beetles, lacewings, or parasitic wasps.
- Spider mites: These pests feed on plant sap, leading to discoloration, stunted growth, and leaf drop. To manage spider mites, prune infested leaves, improve air circulation, and spray insecticides or miticides as recommended.
- Caterpillars: These pests can defoliate the plant leading to poor growth and yield. To manage caterpillars, apply insecticides or introduce predators such as birds, parasitic wasps, or nematodes.
Regular monitoring of the plant, maintaining a healthy growing environment, and applying appropriate pest management practices can significantly reduce disease and pest outbreaks. Early detection and management of any diseases or pests are crucial in maintaining plant health and promoting growth and yield.
