Albizia falcataria

Botanic Name
Albizia falcataria (L. ) Fosberg

Synonyms
Albizzia falcata (L.) Backer, A. molluccana Miq.

Common Names
Batai, Molucca albizzia, Moluccan sau, djeungjing, sengon, falcata, vaivai, puah, white albizzia, kayu macis, tamalini, mare, placate, plakata

Family
Leguminosae (Mimosoidae)

Main Attributes
Because of its rapid growth, vigorous coppicing, and usefulness when grown in combination with agricultural crops, it should be considered for firewood, notwithstanding its low specific gravity and low caloric value. In some regions like Western Samoa and Java the species is already used as fuelwood.

Description
One of the fastest growing of all trees, Albizia falcataria reaches (under favorable conditions) 15 m in height in 3 years, 30 m in 10 years, and 44 m in 17 years. When grown in the open, its crown spreads to form a large umbrellashaped canopy, but in plantations it has a narrow crown. Its flowers are creamy white and have a slight fragrance.

Distribution
Albizia falcataria is native to Papua New Guinea, West Irian, the Solomon Islands, and the Moluccas. The species is grown in plantations, notably in the Philippines and elsewhere in Southeast Asia and in Fiji. It has also been used in variety trials in India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Western Samoa. It is now naturalized in many urban areas of Sabah. On Java, especially west Java, it is planted in home gardens and gardens mixed with herbaceous and tree crops (for example fruit trees) as a source of timber and firewood. The practice is quite widespread in the area and can yield a substantial income for villagers.

Use as Firewood
The wood is light, soft, and lacks strength (specific gravity 0.24-0.49). Tests performed in Java show that it makes good charcoal and that its caloric potential varies from 2,865-3,357 kcal per kg.

Yield
On better soils growth can be up to 50 m3 per ha per year, while average sites yield up to 39 m3 per ha per year on a 10-year rotation. (Growth tends to culminate at or before 10 years.)

Other Uses
· Wood. The wood is excellent for fiber board and particle board. It is also used as veneer core stock and for pallets and crating, furniture components, matches, and boxes.

· Pulp. The species is most suitable for ground wood pulp because of its low density, pale color, and fiber length and qualities. In the Philippines it is successfully used for newsprint.

· Shade. Albizia falcataria is widely used as a shade tree for cattle and for cocoa, coffee, banana, and tea plantations.

Environmental Requirements
· Temperature. Albizia falcataria requires a temperature range of 22°-29°C.

· Altitude. Within its natural range, this species occurs up to 1,000 m elevation. It is grown at altitudes up to 1,500 m, but generally does best in plantations below 800 m.

· Rainfall. This tropical species thrives in humid tropical climates with no more than a slight dry season (0-2 months). The best Philippine growth has been achieved on sites with an annual rainfall of 4,500 mm and no dry period.

· Soil. Albizia falcataria does best on welldrained, deep soils with reasonably high fertility. Like some other legumes, it is likely to perform better on slightly alkaline than on acid soils.

Establishment
The tree regenerates easily by natural seeding on any clearing. It produces seeds prolifically and regularly from an early age, usually from 3 to 4 years on.

· Seed treatment. Best germination occurs after mechanical scarification or treatment with sulfuric acid for 12 minutes followed by water for 15 minutes. Seed may also be placed in boiling water, removed from heat, and wrapped in wet cloth for 24 hours.

· Ability to compete with weeds. Remarkably fast initial growth is typical of Albizia falcataria; therefore, weeding normally can be limited to one complete weeding and three spot weedings during the first year after planting. Occasional elimination of vines may be necessary after that.

Pests and Diseases
Various white and brown rots are the most serious diseases afflicting Albizia falcataria plantations. These diseases normally follow wind damage. Plantings in the Philippines are subject to attack by the fungus Coiticum salmonicolor, causing "albizia canker," which can be devastating unless controlled with Bordeaux mixture or other fungicides. Harmful insects are Eurema blanda, Eurema hecabe, Semiothise spp., Xystocera festiva (wood borer), and Penthicodes jarinosa.

Limitations
Albizia falcataria is extremely susceptible to uprooting and breakage of branches by high winds. Once exposed, the low-density wood is easily attacked by fungi, which bring about rotting of the trees. The tree has a massive root system that is known to contribute to soil erosion, and it should not be planted on steep hillsides. Large tree roots, rather than holding the soil, have an opposite effect. Grass and herbaceous plants are soil retainers.