Fabaceae-Mimosaceae
Albizia adianthifolia
Flat-crown · Mchane, mchani mbao, mchani mbawa
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Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Albizia adianthifolia is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree, often reaching over 25 metres, notable for its distinctive spreading, flat crown. Its bark is grey to reddish-brown and rough, while its bipinnate leaves bear numerous obliquely rhombic-quadrate leaflets. The tree produces striking creamy-white, half-spherical flower heads with reddish-pink or green-tipped stamens, followed by flat, dull yellow-brown pods.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for coastal Kilifi gardens with sandy, well-draining soils. It serves as an excellent ornamental shade tree due to its broad canopy and can also be used for soil improvement and conservation, especially as a pioneer species in restoration efforts.
Growing notes
Albizia adianthifolia is a fast-growing tree with moderate water needs once established, though seedlings require more water. It is best suited for frost-free, warm, high-rainfall areas and can tolerate a broad range of soil types. Seeds should be soaked in warm water overnight to aid germination; however, caution is advised as it can be an aggressive colonizer in some environments.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: plantpono.org, sanbi.org, albizzia.store, wikipedia.org, worldagroforestry.org, plantnet.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.