Albizia Lebbeck

Albizia lebbeck (Mimosaceae), also known as dhaqn al-basha, is a shade plantain native to tropical and subtropical areas. It is cultivated in several sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, such as gardens, parks, outdoor areas, and sidewalks.

Albizia lebbeck is planted in the winter. It is a fast-growing tree whose height can range between twelve and twenty-five m. It features large and soft green leaves that undergo a nyctinastic movement during spring through fall evenings. In the evening, the tree produces pink-yellowish flowers with a sweet aroma. The colors of the flowers depend on the age of the tree. Flowers remain attached to the trees even in winter.

Albizia lebbeck produces inedible pods containing round black seeds that do not fall until the summer due to the heat. The tree has wide and large roots and is topped with a heavy, extended canopy.

Albizia lebbeck trees are pruned during the latent period, provided such pruning covers no more than 20 percent of the plant's size. This fosters the tree's activity and enables its growth and shaping, as its branches will be better distributed. However, new seedlings experience slow growth.

The cultivation of Albizia lebbeck in the Kingdom has many benefits, such as contributing to animal feeding, being a firewood source, and offering shade thanks to its extended canopy.