Overview
Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boivin subsp. sericocephala (Benth.) Brenan is a species of tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as the East Indian walnut and is native to the Indian subcontinent.
Appearance
The Albizia amara tree can grow up to 15 meters tall, with a trunk that can reach up to 75 centimeters in diameter. It has a broad and spreading crown, with branches that grow in a zigzag pattern. The bark of the tree is rough and dark brown in color, while the leaves are large and pinnate, with 5-9 pairs of leaflets that are oblong in shape. Its flowers are small, white, and in spherical clusters. The fruit is a legume pod, which is flat and straight, around 15-25 cm long, with several brown or black seeds inside.
Uses
Albizia amara has various medicinal properties and is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a range of ailments, from fever to skin diseases. The bark and leaves of the tree contain alkaloids that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while the seeds contain saponins, which have been shown to help in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis.
The wood of the Albizia amara tree is also used for various purposes, such as for making furniture, tool handles, and charcoal. Its leaves are often used as fodder for livestock and as a green manure, helping to maintain soil fertility.
Conclusion
Overall, Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boivin subsp. sericocephala (Benth.) Brenan is a valuable tree with numerous medicinal and practical uses. It is a popular tree in Ayurvedic medicine and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Its wood is also a valuable resource, and its leaves are used for livestock feed and as a soil enhancer.
Light Requirements
The Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boivin subsp. sericocephala (Benth.) Brenan prefers full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. The plant requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, which is essential for photosynthesis. However, young plants may benefit from partial shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boivin subsp. sericocephala (Benth.) Brenan grows best in warm tropical or subtropical climates with high humidity. The plant can tolerate temperatures from 10°C to 40°C but prefers temperatures between 20°C and 35°C. Temperatures below 10°C can damage the plant, while continuous exposure to temperatures above 40°C can result in heat stress.
Soil Requirements
The Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boivin subsp. sericocephala (Benth.) Brenan prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate a variety of soils, including sandy soils and loams, but it grows best in soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can also tolerate occasional drought but prefers moist soil conditions. To ensure optimal growth, the soil should be amended with compost or other organic material to improve soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation methods
Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala requires full sunlight to semi-shade, moderate to high humidity, and well-drained soil with good organic matter content. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 10 meters in height with a spread of 5-8 meters. It can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or layering.
Watering needs
Watering of Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala should be done generously especially during the dry season, but overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot. In areas of high rainfall, occasional watering would suffice. The plant should be watered deeply and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala requires regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied during the growing period. Alternatively, well-rotted manure or compost can be applied once or twice annually. Foliar fertilization can also be done with a diluted fertilizer solution.
Pruning
Pruning of Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala should be done regularly to remove dead or diseased branches, thin out densely packed areas, and to shape the plant to a desirable form. The best time to prune is during the dry season when the plant is dormant. However, pruning should be done selectively to avoid stunting growth.
Propagation of Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala
Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala, commonly known as silk-headed albizia, is a flowering tree species found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. Propagation of this species can be done through various methods:
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seed is the easiest and most common method for silk-headed albizia. The seeds are collected from mature pods in the dry season. The pods are left on the tree until they turn brown, and then they are collected and left to dry in the sun. Once the pods burst, the seeds can be extracted and sown on nursery beds or pots.
The seeds should be sown in a mixture of sand and soil. Regular watering should be maintained until the seedlings are 6-8 months old. The seedlings can then be transplanted to containers or planted directly in the field.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through stem cuttings is also possible for silk-headed albizia. The cuttings should be taken from softwood or semi-hardwood plants, preferably during the rainy season. The cuttings should be at least 15 cm long and have at least 2-3 leaves attached to them.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in sand and soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist by regular misting until roots are formed, which usually takes around 6-8 weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to containers or planted directly in the field.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method that can be used for propagating Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala. This method involves ring-barking a branch and wrapping it with moist soil or compost to encourage roots to form at the site of the bark.
Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a container or planted directly in the field.
Disease Management for Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala
Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala, commonly known as white siris, is susceptible to various diseases. To manage these diseases, it is crucial to identify the symptoms accurately and use preventive measures and appropriate treatments. The following are some of the common diseases that affect Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, stem cankers, and defoliation. Management of anthracnose includes maintaining tree vigor through proper pruning and fertilization to reduce stress on the tree. Fungicides may also be used to manage the disease, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes small, circular, brown or black spots on the leaves. Pruning away infected leaves can reduce the spread of the disease. Applying a fungicide can also help manage leaf spot, but it is more effective when applied during the early stages of the disease.
Pest Management for Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala
Like any plant, Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala is also prone to pests. Pests can cause significant damage to the plant, including wilting, stunted growth, and premature defoliation. The following are some of the common pests that affect Albizia amara subsp. sericocephala and ways to manage them:
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small insects that form cottony clusters on leaves and stems. Management of mealybugs includes pruning and disposing of infected plant parts, washing the tree with a strong stream of water, and using insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths that chew on leaves, causing defoliation. Handpicking caterpillars as soon as they are spotted can help manage the infestation. Additionally, using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or neem oil can control caterpillars effectively.
Bark Beetles
Bark beetles are tiny insects that bore into the bark, creating tunnels that disrupt the flow of water and nutrients, eventually killing the tree. Management of bark beetles includes maintaining tree health through proper pruning and watering and using pheromone traps or insecticides to control the infestation.
