Black Bamboo

Albizias are an attractive deciduous tree with frond-like leaves. The tree has a definite 'African Bush' look to it which is very appealing.

Most Albizias are found in the trpical and sub-tropical regions, but Albizia julibrissin (the Silk Tree) is an exception and is found in warmer temperate regions. The tree does like plenty of sunshine.

Not an especially tall tree (5-7metres), the Albizia is well suited to a medium sized garden. The nature of the leaves - divided into hundreds of tiny leaflets - also means that a great deal of light gets through, so the region under the tree is also easily planted.

This dappled shade and spreading branches also mean that the albizia is a very good shade tree to sit under, and it is fast growing so can be established quickly near a terrace.

White - pink fluffy flowers in the autumn are followed by hundreds of large hanging seed pods.

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The seeds of the Albizia tree germinate easily - almost too easily perhaps, since we have to pull up lots of tiny albizia trees each year that have sprung up between paving stones or in gutters.