Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.
Vernacular name: Siris tree, Woman’s tongue, Siris (Hindi: सिरिस)
Species Name: Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.
Family: Fabaceae (Mimosoidae)
Habit: Deciduous large tree
Stem: Straight trunk 10-20 m tall, dark grey bark, shallow extensive roots.
Leaf: Bipinnate, 30-50 cm long, 10-20 pairs of leaflets, silvery pubescent when young.
Flowering: April–June
Flowers: Axillary spikes 5-10 cm long (spicate inflorescence – pedicellate bisexual flowers on unbranched axis); greenish-yellow stamens 2.5 cm long, fragrant.
Fruit: Oblong strap-shaped pod 10-20 cm × 2 cm, glossy brown, 8-12 seeds.
Uses:
- Decoction of leaf and bark extracts is used for gum health and alleviate tooth ache.
- Bark has astringent property and is used to treat diarrhea and piles.
- Seeds has antiseptic properties.
- Different part of tree is used to treat skin diseases like eczema and scabies.
- In Ayurveda, plant is also used to treat rhinitis, asthma and cough.
- Tribal contraceptive in Rajasthan.
- Timber for furniture, carts and carvings.
- Plant is highly nutritious and used as fodder for cattle and goats.
- Tree is also known as shade plant due to its dense canopy.
- Plant is also used as fuelwood.
- Plant is nitrogen-fixer and also help in preventing soil erosion.
- Plant is used in cosmetic industry for improving complexion.
- Plant is also used to treat snake bites.
