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Dominica Botanic Gardens
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Selected Trees and Shrubs
Albizia lebbeck, Common name: Albizia, Woman's Tongue


Plant Family: Member of the Mimosaceae family; other members include the Saman Tree (Samanea saman), Powderpuff (Calliander purpurea), and the lowly Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)

Description: Wide-crowned tree growing to 10 m tall (33 ft); bark rough and dark grey; leaves up to 40 cm long (16 in.), are bipinnate with 2-8 pairs of pinnae, each with 3-12 pairs of leaflets; flower fragrant, cream or greenish yellow; friut a flat shining pod, 15-30 cm long (6-12 in.), which constantly rattles in the wind; thrives in dry locations

Natural Habitat: Thrives in dry, low-rainfall areas of tropics and sub-tropics

Origin and Distribution: Native to India and S.E. Asia; now naturalized throughout the Caribbean

Uses: Tree is often an ornamental; also grown for shade; wood does not readily warp, and the brown timber is used for a wide variety of purposes

Indigenous Legends: Dry fruits constantly rattle in the wind, and from this noise the tree acquired its old, humorous name, ?Woman?s Tongue?.
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References:
Dorathy P. Storer. Familiar Trees and Cultivated Plants of Jamaica. London: Macmillan 1964.
H.F. Macmillan. Tropical Planting and Gardening. London: Macmillan 1956
​​Gardens Introduction

​

Preface - How it Began
Introduction to Website
A Brief History
Plan of Gardens 
Contemporary Commentary​
​Trees, Shrubs, Birds

​
​
Selected Trees and Shrubs
Medicinal Plants
​
Gardens Activities
  Florida's Fairchild Garden
Parrot/Animal Sanctuary
Birds of the Gardens
Garden Views

​
​
Three Virtual Tours
Panoramic Views Today
Early Panoramic Views
 
Hurricane David's Ravages
Future Developments
Curators/Administrators
Reports and Documents
  
Getting Involved
Related Links
Sub-sites

​

Honorees
Island Scholars
Cabinet Photos
​​Treasures of the Cathedral

​Diaspora Policy Paper
​

Visit the DAAS  Website
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Copyright © -  Davison Shillingford, Clayton Shillingford and (the late) Raglan Riviere