Albizia lebbeck Or Shareen

Albizia lebbeck, also known as Siris, Shireen, Woman’s Tongue Tree, or East Indian Walnut, is a large deciduous tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, it is widely cultivated for its ornamental, shade-providing, and environmental benefits.

The tree typically grows to a height of 15–25 meters and has a broad, spreading crown. It features bipinnate (twice-compound) leaves that are bright green and feathery in appearance, giving the tree a graceful texture. During the flowering season, Albizia lebbeck produces clusters of fragrant, creamy-white to pale yellow flowers with prominent stamens, which attract bees and other pollinators. These are followed by large, flat, papery seed pods that rattle in the wind—hence the nickname “Woman’s Tongue.”

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the tree is valued for its hardwood, which is durable and resistant to termites. It is commonly used for making furniture, agricultural tools, and even boat-building. The bark and leaves have medicinal properties and are used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat respiratory and skin conditions. Furthermore, the tree plays a role in agroforestry systems due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, which improves soil fertility.

Albizia lebbeck is drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soil types, making it suitable for reforestation, erosion control, and urban landscaping. Its combination of beauty, resilience, and utility has made it a valuable species across tropical and subtropical regions.