Persian Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin)

This flower is commonly posted to plant identification groups, as it is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree, and the tree is quite striking for its horizontal canopy and the dainty leaves and flowers. The Persian Silk Tree (Albizia julibrizzin) is native to the Middle East and Asia, but has been introduced to Europe and Australia, and is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the United States.

Flower: Photo 49598630, (c) Katherine Rottjakob, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Tree: Photo 42462332, (c) laurabankey, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Because of the bipinnate leaves that resemble Mimosa and Acacia, and a similar growth habit and distribution, when it is not in bloom it could easily be confused with Flamboyant Poinciana (bright red flowers - Delonix regia) or Jacaranda (purple flowers - Jacaranda mimosifolia). However, the flowers on all of these trees are quite distinctive and cannot be mistaken.

Left: Poinciana, Photo 20244320, (c) beegl, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Right: Jacaranda, Photo 729997, (c) James Steamer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

While the Flamboyant Poinciana (Delonix regia) is at least related to Albizia (they are both Legumes - Fabaceae family), the Jacaranda belongs to the Bignonia family (which is in the same Order as the Mint family).

Posted on June 17, 2020 03:06 AM by row_nature