Lebbek, also known as Albizia lebbeck, is a species of deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is commonly referred to by various names such as Lebbeck, siris tree, frywood, woman's tongue tree, or koko in Hindi.
Lebbek is a medium to large-sized tree that can reach heights of up to 25 meters. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk and a spreading crown with delicate, feathery foliage. The leaves are compound and bipinnate, characterized by numerous small leaflets along the branches.
The tree produces clusters of fragrant, ball-shaped flowers, usually in shades of cream or pale yellow, which attract bees and butterflies for pollination. These flowers are followed by long, flat, brown pods that contain several rounded seeds. The seeds, when mature, have a unique circular shape with a black spot on one side, hence the tree's Sinhala name "houra."
Lebbek is highly valued for its wood, which is durable and resistant to termites, making it suitable for various applications such as construction, furniture making, and boat building. Additionally, various parts of the tree, including the bark, leaves, and seeds, have been utilized in traditional medicine for their potential therapeutic properties.
Due to its ornamental value, the Lebbek tree has been widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, and it is often planted along roadsides, parks, and gardens. Its attractive foliage, colorful flowers, and adaptability to different soil and climatic conditions have made it a popular choice for landscaping purposes.
In conclusion, Lebbek is a versatile and aesthetically appealing tree known for
