Albizia Gummifera

Scientific Name: Albizia Gummifera

Common Name: Peacock Flower

Family: Mimosoideae

Names in other languages: Mchani mbao (Swahili)

General Information

Albizia Gummifera is an indigenous forest tree with a flat top, usually reaching a height of around 15m. They are mainly found in East Africa, and more specifically Kenya. They appear in a variety of habitats ranging from dry or wet lowlands to riverine forests.

Features of Albizia Gummifera that make it identifiable:

The Bark is grey and smooth

The Leaves are a shiny dark green, with as many as 12 pairs of leaflets

The flowers are in white or pale pink clusters, and are topped with tufts of bright red anthers

The fruit are thin paper like pods, often found in large clusters

Uses

The wood is often used as timber, fuel, and in boat construction

Used for mulching and soil conservation

Making useful household items : utensils, pestle and mortar, water trough