Origin
Albizia corbisieri De Wild. is a species of legume tree that belongs to the Albizia genus, in the Fabaceae family. It is native to central Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo-Brazzaville.
Common Names
Albizia corbisieri De Wild. is commonly known as the African Mimosa Tree or Corbisier's Albizia. Other local names include "Senimavo", "Behogu", "Jadinji" and "Agoulas".
Uses
Albizia corbisieri De Wild. has various uses, including in traditional medicine and as a source of wood and timber. The bark and leaves have been used in traditional medicine by the indigenous people of central Africa to treat various ailments such as fever, gonorrhea, and headaches. The wood is also popular for furniture making and construction.
General Appearance
The African Mimosa Tree is a large tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. It has a spreading crown with a pale-brown, smooth bark. The leaves are bipinnate and are made up of 10-20 pairs of pinnae. The flowers are fluffy and have a white to pale-yellow color and are arranged in small clusters. The fruit is a flat, woody pod that is 15-25 cm long and about 2 cm wide, containing up to 10 seeds.
Overall, Albizia corbisieri De Wild. is a valuable and versatile tree that is well-suited for various uses, including traditional medicine and woodworking, owing to its size, shape, and availability in Central Africa.
Typical Growth Conditions of Albizia corbisieri De Wild.
Albizia corbisieri De Wild. grows best in tropical and subtropical regions and tolerates a wide variety of soil types. The plant requires adequate sunlight to grow well. Too little sunlight may hinder its growth and affect the quality of its leaves and flowers.
Light Requirements
Albizia corbisieri De Wild. requires full sun for optimal growth. This means at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The plants grow best when they receive consistent sunlight throughout the day, although they can tolerate some shade. In areas with hot summers, the plant can benefit from partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm and humid conditions and grows best in temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 40°C. However, the plant growth reduces when temperatures fall below 15°C or go above 35°C. A frost-free location is essential for this plant to thrive.
Soil Requirements
Albizia corbisieri De Wild. can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils. The plant is tolerant of acidic and alkaline soils, requiring a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. The plant does not thrive in poorly drained or heavy clay soils. Incorporating organic matter into the soil before planting can enhance the soil structure, nutrient content, and water-holding capacity of the soil.
Cultivation Methods for Albizia corbisieri De Wild.
Albizia corbisieri De Wild. is a tropical shrub that is relatively easy to cultivate in warm climates. It thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. The plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow well, and it is not tolerant of frost or cold temperatures.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be soaked in water for a few hours before sowing to soften the outer coating, and cuttings should be taken from new growth in the spring or summer. Both seeds and cuttings can be planted in a well-draining potting mix and placed in a warm, humid environment until they root and begin to grow.
Watering Needs for Albizia corbisieri De Wild.
Albizia corbisieri De Wild. requires regular watering to thrive, but it does not tolerate waterlogged soil. The soil should be moist but not soggy, and good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. It is best to water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. In hot, dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization for Albizia corbisieri De Wild.
Albizia corbisieri De Wild. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied every four to six weeks from spring to fall. The fertilizer should be applied around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the stem or foliage.
Pruning Methods for Albizia corbisieri De Wild.
Albizia corbisieri De Wild. can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning can also help to control the plant's size if it becomes too large. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.
To prune, remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that cross or rub against each other. Cut back any lateral branches to a length of about one-third to one-half of the main stem's length. This will promote new growth and help to maintain the plant's shape. Avoid cutting back too much of the plant's growth at once, as this can be stressful to the plant.
Propagation of Albizia corbisieri De Wild.
Albizia corbisieri De Wild. can be propagated by seed and vegetative means.
Seeds
Seeds can be collected from mature pods of Albizia corbisieri De Wild. The seeds should be soaked in water for several hours before sowing to soften the seed coat. The seeds should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. Germination may take up to several weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Albizia corbisieri De Wild. can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. A 10 to 15 cm cutting from a young shoot is taken and treated with rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept humid and moist until rooting occurs, which may take several weeks. Once rooted, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the ground.
Another vegetative propagation method that can be used is air-layering. A section of the stem is girdled and wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. The moss should be kept moist until roots form, which may take several weeks. Once rooted, the stem can be cut below the roots and planted in a well-draining potting mix or the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Albizia corbisieri De Wild.
Albizia corbisieri De Wild., also known as the Serengeti albizia, is a large tree species native to Africa. It is a popular ornamental plant, often used in landscaping, and as a source of timber. However, this tree species is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can severely affect its growth and overall health.
Common Diseases of Albizia corbisieri De Wild.
The most common disease that affects Albizia corbisieri is the root rot caused by Phytophthora palmivora. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing of the leaves, wilting, and death of the tree. To manage root rot, the infected tree should be uprooted, and the surrounding soil should be treated with a fungicide to prevent further spread of the disease.
Another common disease that affects Albizia corbisieri is leaf spot caused by Cercospora sp. This disease causes the formation of small, black-colored spots on the leaves of the tree, which eventually spread and merge, leading to premature leaf fall. To manage leaf spot, use a copper-based fungicide in early stages of the disease or remove the infected parts of the tree to prevent further spread of the disease.
Common Pests of Albizia corbisieri De Wild.
The common pests that affect Albizia corbisieri are the Albizia webworm caterpillar and the mealybug. Albizia webworm caterpillar causes defoliation of the tree and is active during the growing season. To manage the Albizia webworm caterpillar, remove and destroy the infected leaves and treat the tree with an insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Mealybugs are small insects that feed on the sap of the tree, leading to yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, use insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps. Regular inspection of the tree during the growing season is crucial to spot any pests or diseases and prevent their spread.
By following these disease and pest management practices, it is possible to maintain the health and beauty of Albizia corbisieri De Wild. and enjoy its benefits for years.
