Ceylon rosewood

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Ceylon rosewood
• Black Siris

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Acacia odoratissima
• Acacia similis
• Mimosa odoratissima
• Albizia lomatocarpa
• Albizia micrantha
• Feuilleea odoratissima
• Albizia odoratissima var. subhedarii
• Albizia odoratissima var. mollis
• Albizia orissensis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified under the order Fabales and is a member of the family Fabaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Albizia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted within Nigeria. Moving toward East Tropical Africa, the species can be found in both Kenya and Tanzania. Its range extends further south into South Tropical Africa, where it inhabits Malawi. Finally, the plant is also distributed throughout Mozambique, completing its wide regional reach.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Albizia odoratisima is characterized by its specific niche within montane ecosystems, where it thrives within a defined altitudinal gradient. This species is primarily distributed across mid-to-high altitude zones, occupying an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 900 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 1600 m AMSL. Within this specific vertical range, the plant adapts to the varying temperature regimes and moisture availability typical of these mountain environments. Its presence within these precise altitudinal limits suggests a specialized requirement for the atmospheric conditions and soil compositions found in these sub-montane and montane belts, positioning it as a vital component of the local biodiversity in its native habitat.

Elevational range max:

1600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

900 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Albizia odoratisima is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem through multiple growing seasons. This species exhibits a deciduous growth pattern, meaning it sheds its foliage periodically, typically in response to seasonal changes or environmental cues, to manage resources and survive unfavorable conditions. Through this perennial lifecycle and deciduous habit, the plant establishes a long-term presence in its habitat, cycling through periods of active vegetative growth and seasonal dormancy.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Albizia odoratissima is characterized by its growth form as a large, woody tree, reaching a significant mean plant height of approximately 22 meters. As a terrestrial species, it does not inhabit aquatic or semiaquatic environments, nor does it function as an epiphyte. The plant is structurally self-supporting, meaning it does not exhibit climbing habits such as liana or vine growth, and it maintains an independent existence rather than acting as a parasite. Its robust, woody constitution supports its substantial stature within its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

22 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Albizia odoratissima is characterized by its efficient metabolic processes and symbiotic capabilities, specifically operating through a C3 photosynthetic pathway. This carbon fixation method involves the direct conversion of atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds via the Calvin cycle, typically occurring within the mesophyll cells. Furthermore, the plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, utilizing a symbiotic relationship with rhizobial bacteria housed within root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, thereby enhancing nutrient cycling and growth in nitrogen-poor soils.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Albizia odoratissima is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily relying on insects to facilitate the transfer of pollen. This insect-mediated process ensures genetic exchange, supporting the plant's reproductive success within its ecosystem. Following successful fertilization, the plant produces seeds that exhibit specific morphological characteristics, with a mean seed mass of approximately 0.071333333 g. The individual seed size varies within a specific range, with a minimum mass of 0.0641 g and a maximum mass of 0.0785 g. Once mature, the dispersal of these seeds is achieved through an anemochorous syndrome, meaning they are primarily dispersed by the wind, allowing the species to colonize new areas effectively.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

0.0785 g

Seed mass mean:

0.071333333 g

Seed mass min:

0.0641 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Albizia odoratissima has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 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
2. Pharmaceutical biology

Chemicals

Albizia odoratissima has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Saponins, TOCOPHEROL, linoleic acid, oleic acid.

Flavonoids

1. Archiv der Pharmazie

Saponins

1. Archiv der Pharmazie

TOCOPHEROL

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

linoleic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

oleic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

palmitic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

sterol

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Albizia odoratissima has 3 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.

Antibacterial

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Antimicrobial

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Antioxidant

1. Pharmaceutical biology

Preparations

Albizia odoratissima has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include hexane-extracted oils of ripe seeds, leaves.

Hexane-extracted oils of ripe seeds

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Leaves

1. Archiv der Pharmazie