Flat-crown Albizia

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Flat-crown Albizia
• West African Albizia
• flat-crown
• West African albizzia

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Mimosa adianthifolia

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it falls under the family Fabaceae. It is specifically categorized within the genus Albizia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found across the West Tropical Africa region. Its documented geographical range includes the nation of Benin. It is also widely distributed within the territory of Gambia. Furthermore, the species can be located throughout Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Finally, its presence extends into the country of Guinea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Albizia adiantifolia is characterized by its adaptability to a wide variety of tropical landscapes, thriving across an elevational range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum of 1050 m AMSL. As a component of forest ecosystems, it typically occupies niches within lowland to mid-altitude moist forests, where it plays a role in nutrient cycling and soil stabilization. Its distribution is closely tied to regions with sufficient rainfall and well-drained soils, allowing it to establish itself in both primary and secondary forest successions. By occupying this significant altitudinal gradient, the species demonstrates a robust capacity to endure diverse microclimates, ranging from humid coastal lowlands to the slightly cooler, montane fringes of sub-montane forest zones.

Elevational range max:

1050 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Albizia adianthifolia is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem through multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, a life form strategy that enables it to compete effectively for light within forest structures. The plant exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage seasonally, which often serves as an adaptation to moisture availability or light cycles within its habitat.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Albizia adianthifolia is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree. It is a self-supporting, terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor an epiphyte. The plant exhibits significant verticality, with a height that varies considerably depending on environmental conditions; it can be as short as 2.4 m, but it typically reaches an average height of 12.5 m, with some specimens growing to a maximum height of approximately 36.58 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

36.57644477 m

Plant height mean:

12.5 m

Plant height min:

2.4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Albizia adianthifolia is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency in its natural habitat. As a member of the Fabaceae family, the plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, engaging in a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria located within its root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. This nitrogen fixation capability enhances its nutritional autonomy and contributes significantly to soil fertility within its ecosystem.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Albizia adianthifolia is characterized by a highly flexible phenological cycle, with flowering and fruiting periods that can occur across any month of the year, from January through December, depending on environmental variables. The pollination process is primarily biotic, relying on an insect pollination syndrome to facilitate fertilization. The plant produces fruit in the form of a pod, which is dehiscent, meaning it opens at maturity to release its contents. Seed dispersal follows an autochorous (autochorous) syndrome, where the plant utilizes its own mechanisms for spreading seeds. The seeds themselves are relatively small, with a mean mass of approximately 0.06756 g, ranging from a minimum of 0.05356 g to a maximum of 0.08156 g.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

autochorous

Flowering time :

Mar

Fruit type :

pod

Fruiting time :

Jan

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

0.08156 g

Seed mass mean:

0.06756 g

Seed mass min:

0.05356 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Albizia adianthifolia has 2 reported plant parts identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root, leaf.

Root

1. TheScientificWorldJournal
2. BMC complementary and alternative medicine
3. Journal of natural products

Leaf

1. TheScientificWorldJournal
2. Artificial cells, nanomedicine, and biotechnology

Chemicals

Albizia adianthifolia has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Acacic Acid, Chalcone, Dipeptide, Fatty acids, Flavonoids.

Acacic Acid

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry
2. Journal of natural products

Chalcone

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Dipeptide

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Fatty acids

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Flavonoids

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Murrayanine

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Safranal

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Steroids

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Triterpenes

1. Saudi journal of biological sciences

apigenin

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Activities

Albizia adianthifolia has 8 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, Antibacterial, Anticonvulsant, Antidepressant, Antifungal.

Anthelmintic

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Antibacterial

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Anticonvulsant

1. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie

Antidepressant

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Antifungal

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Antioxidant

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Anxiolytic

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Purgative

1. TheScientificWorldJournal

Medicinal Uses

Albizia adianthifolia has 12 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV-1, cancers, epilepsy, headache, leukemia.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations