SelecTree: Tree Detail
WHITE MONKEYPOD
Albizia lebbeck
Photo Locations: Hilo, HI
General Notes
A fast growing, large tree, tolerant of poor soils with a shallow, wide root system, which can fail in storms. Its brittleness makes this tree a poor choice for planting around buildings, sidewalks, and roads. This species is often found in old pastures and its leaves are used as fodder and its limbs for fuel wood. Albizia lebbeck has a HPWRA (Hawaii Pacific Weed Risk Assessment) score of 7 (High Risk).
Has fragrant Flower.
Native to North Africa to North Australia.
Family: Fabaceae
Additional Common Names
SIRIS TREE, WHITE MONKEYPOD, LEBBEK TREE, FRYWOOD, KOKO, WOMAN'S TONGUE TREE, FLEA TREE, SIRIS, ACACIA LEBBEK, MIMOSA LEBBECK, INDIAN SIRIS, EAST IND
Tree Characteristics
High Canopy and Extensive Area.
Rounded or Umbrella Shape.
Has Partly Deciduous foliage.
Height: 30 feet.
Growth Rate: 24 Inches per Year.
Leaves Bipinnately Compound, Green, Yellow, Partly Deciduous.
Flowers Showy. Fragrant Greenish White to Cream-Colored. Flowers in Spring. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).
Pod, Very Large (Over 3.00 inches).
Shading Capacity Rated as out of Leaf.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
Sunset Zones H1, H2.
USDA Hardiness Zones 10 - 12.
Exposure Full Sun.
Drought tolerant.
Salinity Tolerance is Good Inland.
Pests & Disease Information
Susceptible to Scales and Nematodes.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Branch Strength Rated as Weak.
Special Uses & Values
Agricultural Shade Tree.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Albizia lebbeck Tree Record." 1995-2020. Apr 6, 2020.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/albizia-lebbeck >
This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at ufei@calpoly.edu.