Albizia Lebbeck, commonly known as the "siris" or "siris tree," is a medium to large deciduous tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical regions of Asia, including India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.
This tree is characterized by its spreading and symmetrical crown, feathery foliage, and smooth gray bark with vertical fissures. The Albizia Lebbeck can reach heights of up to 20 meters, with a trunk diameter of about one meter. Its compound leaves are bipinnate, consisting of numerous small leaflets that give the tree a delicate appearance.
Albizia Lebbeck is renowned for its ornamental and medicinal properties. It produces beautiful clusters of fragrant, pale yellow flowers, buttery in look and sweet in scent. Additionally, it bears seed pods that are flat, oblong, and brown in color, containing several small seeds. These seeds have been utilized for their medicinal properties, often ground into a fine powder or extracted for natural remedies.
The bark, leaves, and seeds of Albizia Lebbeck have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments. It is believed to possess antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. The tree's extracts have been utilized to alleviate fevers, joint pain, headaches, and digestive disorders. Additionally, it is reputed to have beneficial effects on the respiratory and nervous systems.
Albizia Lebbeck is also sought after for its timber, which is durable and considered excellent for construction and furniture making. Its wood is used for crafting furniture, cabinets, carvings, and other decorative items due to its attractive, light-colored appearance.
Overall, Albizia Lebbeck is a
