Creeping Albizia

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Creeping Albizia

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Feuilleea microphylla
• Acacia roxburghii
• Albizia thorelii
• Albizia microphylla
• Albizia myriophylla var. foliolosa

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae and the genus Albizia. Specifically, the medicinal species is identified as Albizia myriophyllia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions of South and Southeast Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in India and throughout the state of Assam. Its range also extends into Bangladesh and across the Eastern Himalayan region. Furthermore, the species stretches into the Indo-China territory, specifically appearing in Cambodia. This diverse presence highlights the plant's ability to thrive in multiple subtropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Albizia myriophyllas is characterized by its woody structure and diverse growth habits. While it can manifest as a tree, the plant also exhibits climbing tendencies, functioning as a facultative climber that can act as a liana, vine, or a self-supporting organism depending on environmental conditions. This combination of a woody growth form with the ability to transition between a free-standing tree and a climbing habit defines its structural development.

Climber :

self-supporting

Climber :

facultative

Growth form :

tree

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Albizia myriophylla is characterized by specialized metabolic processes that support its growth in diverse ecological niches, particularly regarding its interaction with soil nutrients. Unlike many other members of the Fabaceae family that engage in symbiotic relationships with rhizobia to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, this species is categorized as a nitrogen fixer: no. This indicates that its physiological mechanisms do not include the formation of root nodules for biological nitrogen fixation, meaning it relies instead on the uptake of available nitrates and ammonium from the surrounding soil substrate. Its metabolic activities are geared toward efficient nutrient absorption and resource allocation to support its structural development and leaf morphology. Additionally, its physiological processes involve complex photosynthetic pathways and transpiration rates that are finely tuned to its specific environmental stressors, allowing it to maintain osmotic balance and cellular integrity within its native habitat.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Albizia myriophylla is governed by a complex biotic pollination syndrome, relying heavily on living organisms to facilitate genetic exchange. The reproductive process is primarily driven by insect pollination, utilizing various entomological agents to transfer pollen between flowers. Within this biological framework, bees serve as a specific and highly effective pollinator, playing a crucial role in the successful fertilization of the plant. This reliance on biotic vectors ensures that the species can maintain genetic diversity through targeted pollen movement, distinguishing its reproductive strategy from abiotic methods such as wind or water.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Albizia myriophylla has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Archiv der Pharmazie

Chemicals

Albizia myriophylla has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 8-methoxy-7,3',4'-trihydroxyflavone, Flavonoids, Tannins, Terpenoids, flavan-3,4-diol.

8-methoxy-7,3',4'-trihydroxyflavone

1. Planta medica

Flavonoids

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Tannins

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Terpenoids

1. Pharmaceutical biology

flavan-3,4-diol

1. Pharmaceutical biology

lupinifolin

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Conditions

Albizia myriophylla has 7 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, dental caries, fever.

Bacillus cereus

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Staphylococcus aureus

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Streptococcus mutans

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Dental caries

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Fever

1. Planta medica

Inflammation

1. Planta medica

Sore throat

1. Planta medica

Preparations

Albizia myriophylla has 5 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous decoction, ethanol extract, fractions, isolated compounds, leaves.

Aqueous decoction

1. Planta medica

Ethanol extract

1. Natural product research

Fractions

1. Natural product research

Isolated compounds

1. Natural product research

Leaves

1. Archiv der Pharmazie