General Information
Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth. is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is also commonly known as White Siris, Smooth Albizia, Tall Albizia, and Forest Siris. This plant is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Appearance
The Albizia procera tree can grow up to 30 meters in height and 1 meter in diameter. It is a handsome-looking tree that has a smooth light-grey bark and a large, spreading canopy that provides excellent shade. The leaves are bipinnate, meaning each leaf is made up of several pairs of leaflets that are approximately 3-6 cm long. The flowers are small, white or greenish-white and are borne in large, dense clusters that can be up to 20 cm long.
Uses
Albizia procera has several uses in traditional medicine. The bark and leaves have been used to treat a range of conditions such as diarrhea, fever, and dysentery. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, making it a popular choice for making furniture, crates, and cabinets. Additionally, it is used as fodder for livestock. The tree is also planted as an ornamental in parks, gardens, and roadsides, and it is ideal for soil conservation and reforestation.
Overall, Albizia procera is a versatile tree that has numerous uses in traditional medicine, furniture-making, and as an ornamental plant.
Light Requirements
Albizia procera prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It grows well in areas with bright and direct sunlight but can also tolerate some shade from other trees in the surrounding area.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can survive in a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate high temperatures up to 45°C during the summer months and cold temperatures down to 5°C during the winter months. However, it prefers a warm and humid climate for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6-7.5. Albizia procera can also tolerate slightly alkaline conditions.
Cultivation methods of Albizia procera
Albizia procera thrives well in open, sunny locations with deep, rich, and fertile soil. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. It should be planted in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
The best time to plant Albizia procera is during the rainy season or spring when the temperatures are moderate. The plant should be planted at least 3 meters apart to allow for adequate growth and development.
Watering needs of Albizia procera
Albizia procera requires regular watering, especially during the first few weeks after planting. The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels. Once the plant is well established, watering can be reduced, and the plant can tolerate drought conditions for short periods.
Avoid overwatering as it can lead to waterlogging, which can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization of Albizia procera
Applying organic manure like well-rotted farmyard manure or compost during the planting stage can provide the plant with the necessary nutrients for growth. In addition, Albizia procera can benefit from regular application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to an imbalance in soil nutrients, which can negatively affect plant growth and development.
Pruning Albizia procera
Pruning Albizia procera is essential to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be carried out during the dormant season or at the end of the flowering season.
The plant should be pruned selectively to remove unwanted branches and stems. Avoid over-pruning as it can weaken the plant and affect its overall growth and development.
Propagation of Albizia procera
Albizia procera, commonly known as white siris or tall albizia, is a fast-growing tree species with multiple uses. The plant can be propagated by various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the primary method of propagation for Albizia procera. The seeds need to be mature, which occurs 3-4 months after flowering. After collecting the seedpods, allow them to dry in sunlight. Proper seed preparation involves soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow the seeds in standard potting soil mixed with river sand in equal proportions. Keep the soil moist and warm until germination. Germination may take between 15-30 days.
Cuttings Propagation
Albizia procera can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The stem cuttings are derived from mature trees but not more than one-year-old. Prepare the cuttings by trimming the bottom of each cutting a few cm from the tip. Treat the cuttings with rooting hormones and plant them in a mix of sand and soil or peat moss. The cuttings require high humidity and moist soil to promote rooting. Ideally, keep the soil temperature around 21-24°C and avoid windy areas. Rooting of cuttings takes around 6-8 weeks.
Air layering Propagation
Air layering is a technique where a portion of the stem of the parent plant is induced to develop its roots while still attached to the main tree. To propagate Albizia procera through air layering, select 1-2 year-old branches with a diameter of not less than 2.5 cm. Remove the leaves and bark on a 15-20 cm section of the branch. Apply rooting hormone and wrap the area in damp sphagnum moss and plastic wrapping. After 2-3 months, roots will emerge from the treated area. Cut the stem below the rooted area and transplant into a container with soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Albizia Procera (Roxb.) Benth.
Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth., commonly known as white siris, is a deciduous tree that is found in the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, and Australia. As with any plant, disease and pest infestations can greatly reduce the growth and yield of Albizia procera. Therefore, it is essential to apply disease and pest management strategies to maintain healthy growth and productivity. Below we will discuss some common diseases and pests that can affect Albizia procera and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Bacterial Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris and leads to small, dark-brown spots with yellow halos on the leaves. The spots can merge, causing the leaves to fall prematurely, resulting in reduced growth and productivity. The management strategy for this disease includes proper sanitation by pruning infected plant parts and application of copper-based fungicides.
Root Rot: Root rot disease is caused by various fungi, including Fusarium spp. and Phytophthora spp. It causes the roots to rot, resulting in decreased water and nutrient uptake, wilting, and eventually, death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is important to improve soil aeration and drainage, avoid waterlogging, and apply fungicides such as carbendazim and metalaxyl.
Pests
Shoot and Stem Borers: Albizia procera is susceptible to shoot and stem borers such as Apate terebrans and Zeuzera coffeae. The larvae of these pests bore into the shoots, stems, and branches, leading to wilting, dieback, and reduced growth and productivity. To manage these pests, it is important to prune and remove infested plant parts and apply insecticides like imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos.
Leaf-Eating Caterpillars: Albizia procera is also attacked by leaf-eating caterpillars such as Eutectona machaeralis. These pests feed on the leaves, leading to defoliation, reduced photosynthesis, and growth. To manage leaf-eating caterpillars, apply insecticides such as carbaryl and spinosad and maintain proper sanitation by removing the infested leaves.
In conclusion, effective disease and pest management strategies are necessary for maintaining the health and productivity of Albizia procera. Proper sanitation, monitoring, and the application of appropriate control measures can help to manage the most common diseases and pests that affect this tree.
