Botanical Name - Albizzia lebbek

----- A. Lebbek, Benth.; F.B.I. II-298. Brandi's Ind. Trees, 271. Gamble's Ind. Timbers, 303. Vern. Siris, Hind., Mar. Darshanam, Pedda-darshanam, Tel. Chekola, Mar.

----- A large deciduous tree. Bark brownish-grey rough with numerous short irregular cracks. Leaflets 4-9 pairs, 1 1/2-2 in. long, obliquely-oblong, obtuse; midrib prominent; pinnae 2-3 pairs; common petiole of leaf 5-6 in. long, stout, with a large oblong gland near the base and one or more smaller ones between the upper pinnae. Flowers in greenish-white, fragrant, heads about 1 1/2 in. long, to the extremities of the stamens, on peduncles 2-4 in. long in fascicles of 4-2 from the upper axils, forming short corymbose racemes; pedicles nearly as long as the calyx. Calyx 1/2 the length of the corolla. Pod thin, straw-coloured dehiscent, 8-12 by 1-2 in., 6-10-seeded and alternately depressed on either side over the seeds.

----- A well-known tree, common all over the country, found in the forest as well as largely planted in avenues and in gardens, for which it is well suited on account of its very quick growth, spreading crown and ornamental appaerance. The flowers have a sickly odour and the yellow, dry pods persist on the try for a very long time, wood hard; sapwood large, white or yellowish; heartwood dark brown, streaked with lighter or darker streaks. It seasons well, is easily worked up, takes a good polish and is ans excellent furniture and cabinet wood. It is sometimes used in building construction and also for sugar and oil mills, well-curbs, etc. Weight from 50-55 lbs. per c. ft. The tree yeilds a large quantity of gum of no particular value. The leaves, flowers, and an oil extracted from the seeds are used medicinally. Flowers May to August. Rarely quite leafless; foliage renewed in the hot season. This tree is easily propagated by direct sowing of seeds in situ. It effects a warm moist situation and does equally well in lateritic and B.C. Soils. It is being extensively used in the afforestation works of Mohratusabad Districts.