large-leaf false-thorn

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• large-leaf false-thorn
• poisonpod
• Large-Leaved Albizia
• Large-Leaved False-Thorn
• Poisonpod Albizia
• Poisonpod False-Thorn
• Tanga-Tanga
• Umvanghaas
• poison-pod false-thorn

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Feuilleea versicolor
• Albizia versicolor var. mossambicensis

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. It is specifically identified by its genus, Albizia, as part of the species Albizia versicolor.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated within the tropical regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found across several nations including Burundi, Congo, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additionally, its range extends into the East Tropical Africa region. Specifically, it has been identified within the borders of Kenya. Together, these locations define the natural geographical footprint of Albizia versicolor.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Albizia versicolor is characterized by its adaptation to varied topographical settings, specifically thriving within an elevational range that extends from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum of 1350 m AMSL. This species is primarily found inhabiting wooded grassland environments, where it plays a role in the structural composition of these ecosystems. The combination of its ability to tolerate low-altitude coastal conditions and its presence in higher-elevation montane landscapes suggests a versatile ecological niche within its native range.

Elevational range max:

1350 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

wooded grassland

Life history

The life history of Albizia versicolor is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a deciduous plant, it undergoes a seasonal cycle where it sheds its foliage annually, typically in response to environmental cues such as changes in temperature or moisture availability. This deciduous nature dictates its rhythmic patterns of growth, dormancy, and regeneration, ensuring its long-term survival within its natural habitat.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Albizia versicolor is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically manifesting as a tree. It is a self-supporting species, meaning it does not function as a climber or a liana, and it maintains an independent life cycle as a non-parasitic plant. As a terrestrial organism, it does not exhibit aquatic or epiphytic tendencies. The plant's stature is significant, with a height that typically ranges from a minimum of 2.5 m to a maximum of 20 m, maintaining an average plant height of approximately 15 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Plant height mean:

15 m

Plant height min:

2.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Albizia versicolor is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle within the mesophyll cells. As a member of the Fabaceae family, this species functions as a nitrogen fixer, maintaining a symbiotic relationship with rhizobial bacteria located within its root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a bioavailable form. This nitrogen-fixing capability enhances its ability to thrive in nutrient-poor soils by facilitating the synthesis of essential amino acids and proteins, thereby supporting its overall metabolic processes and growth.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Albizia versicolor is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily driven by insect vectors, with bees serving as a significant pollinator. The plant produces fruit in the form of a pod, which is categorized as a dehiscence type, meaning it opens at maturity to release its contents. The seeds produced through this process vary in size, with a measured seed mass ranging from a minimum of 0.07976 g to a maximum of 0.15796 g, resulting in an average seed mass of approximately 0.117833333 g.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Fruit type :

pod

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

0.15796 g

Seed mass mean:

0.117833333 g

Seed mass min:

0.07976 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Albizia versicolor 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 stem.

Stem

1. Fitoterapia

Chemicals

Albizia versicolor has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Acacic acid lactone.

Acacic acid lactone

1. Fitoterapia

Preparations

Albizia versicolor has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include stem barks.

Stem barks

1. Fitoterapia