Fabaceae-Mimosaceae
Albizia saman
Rain tree
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Albizia saman is a conspicuous semi-deciduous tree that can reach up to 25-30 metres tall, with a broad, umbrella-shaped crown spreading sometimes 30 metres across. Its fern-like, bipinnately compound leaves fold inward at night and during cloudy or rainy days. The tree produces fluffy, pink, powder-puff-like flowerheads with prominent stamens, often in the dry season, followed by thick, straight pods containing an edible sticky pulp.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives at the Kenyan coast in humid lowlands with well-watered soils, tolerating a wide range of soil types. It is an excellent choice for a specimen or shade tree in large gardens and landscapes, often planted as an avenue tree due to its expansive crown.
Growing notes
The Rain tree is fast-growing, reaching maturity in a few years. While drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from consistent moisture, especially during dry periods and requires regular watering during its establishment phase. It is not frost-tolerant and thrives in high summer heat; however, it can be susceptible to wilt and mimosa web worm.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: worldagroforestry.org, gardenia.net, missouribotanicalgarden.org, sheffields.com, nurserynisarga.in, winrock.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.