Albizia zygia
Albizia zygia is a fast growing medium-sized tree species within the Fabaceae family that is commonly found in West and Central Africa.[2]
| Albizia zygia | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Caesalpinioideae |
| Clade: | Mimosoid clade |
| Genus: | Albizia |
| Species: | A. zygia |
| Binomial name | |
| Albizia zygia J.F.Macbr. | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Description
The species grows up to 30 meters tall. Its branches are ascending and wide spreading forming an open crown, the bark is greyish and fairly smooth. Leaves are pinnately compound, leaflets are obovate in shape with the terminal pairs usually the largest.[2] Flowers are often white to reddish and its fruits are papery and brownish black pods, up to 20 cm long and 3.5 cm wide, seeds are usually produced when plant reaches maturity and are darkish brown.[2]
Distribution and habitat
The species is commonly found largely in secondary high forest and semi-deciduous forest zones but it also occurs in primary forest and savannahs of West and Central Africa.[2]
Uses
The plant is used as a shade tree by Cocoa farmers.[3] Leaves are boiled, dried and used to prepare vegetable soup.[2]
References
- "Albizia zygia". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
- Dunn, Justine (1996). The role of indigenous woody species in "farmer-led" agricultural change in south east Nigeria, West Africa (phd). doi:10.25501/SOAS.00029533.
- ANIM-KWAPONG, G. J.; TEKLEHAIMANOT, Z. (2001-01-01). "Albizia Zygia (dc) Macbride, a Shade Tree for Cocoa. the Effects of Duration of Acid Scarification and Substrate Acidity on the Germination of Seeds". Forests, Trees and Livelihoods. 11 (1): 47–55. doi:10.1080/14728028.2001.9752370. ISSN 1472-8028. S2CID 83646000.