Albizia, sleeping beauty, silk tree - as soon as they do not call a graceful deciduous tree, unlike its relatives, with a rich spreading crown. And we call this natural charm Lankaran acacia.
Its lush light green crown looks like an open umbrella, and a delicate feathery leaf is divided into long and very elegant small petals that look like ladies' fingers. When they begin to tremble from the breath of the breeze, then there is a feeling that the branches are fanned by a luxurious fan, consisting of 14 links. In very hot weather and at night, an albizia leaf gets ready for bed, folding along the entire central vein, and then completely curled up, leaning down.
However, the gentle appearance of such a charming plant is very deceptive. This miracle of nature has a powerful, thick trunk, the girth of which is over 3 meters, and a very large height, reaching 12 meters.
Where silk albizia grows
Lankaran acacia is very thermophilic, and therefore it grows in tropical and subtropical areas: in the hot climatic conditions of Africa, in the dry deserts of Australia and Mexico, on the wet soils of Madagascar and India. Agree, this plant has a considerable rangeplaces of residence. However, scientists unanimously believe that Lenkoran, one of the cities of Azerbaijan, located in the south of the Talysh Mountains, is the birthplace of albizia. Based on these facts, we can conclude that Albizia is unpretentious and feels comfortable in different natural conditions, as long as it is warm: in the low valleys of the coast, on stony soils with a minimum amount of lime, and also in highlands.
Plant lifespan
Albizia lives on average from 50 to 100 years, but recently the life span of the silk tree has been noticeably reduced, apparently due to changing climatic conditions. It is growing and developing very fast. Let's look at this fact with a specific example. At 1.5 years old, the height of the acacia is 1.5 m, by the age of two - 2.5 meters, but by the age of 3, the growth of this beauty reaches 5 meters, while the thickness of the trunk increases exponentially. The active growth of the plant ends by the age of 30, and after that the aging period begins: the bark cracks, the crown intensively thins, numerous hollows form.
When and how Lankaran acacia blooms
The plant blooms in the middle of summer. Its flowers, collected in corymbose panicles, have a yellowish-white tint, long pink filaments with a lilac tint at the end are scattered from them. Such a multifaceted coloring gives this plant a decorative effect. During the flowering of a tree, its blossoming buds exude such a delicate and sweet aroma that their subtle fragrance clings to the soul of anyone,who is close to this miracle of nature.
Albizia blooms in mid-autumn, depending on weather conditions. But the leaves do not fall off immediately, they keep until the end of November, and this feature sharply distinguishes this tree from others growing in our climatic zone. Well, if a sharp cold wind suddenly blew or a severe frost hit, then overnight the green foliage crumbles.
Planting time and plant care
This plant is growing fast. Lankaran acacia is very photophilous. Planting and caring for it cannot cause great difficulties due to the fact that its root system is superficial, but at the same time powerful. It prefers deep, humus-rich, sandy and alluvial soils, but also grows in dry, clayey or gravel soils containing lime.
For exotic, plant a tree in your yard with the beautiful name "Lenkoran acacia". Planting will not take you much time, but this tender tree will bring you a feeling of bliss for more than one year. Also, the plant can be safely planted on the ocean, and nothing will happen to it, because it is not afraid of s alt water. If you want to create beauty in your city - please, albizia are not afraid of either burning, or soot, or the smell of gasoline. The only thing that can ruin a beauty is a temperature below -16 °. Under such weather conditions, the branches of the crown freeze.
How to properly plant albition
If you decide to plant on yourplot or near the house of albizia, then do it in early May. Before sowing, fill the fruit seeds with warm water and keep them in this state for two days, waiting for complete swelling. For planting, check the temperature of the soil, you need it to be well warmed up. Plant seeds in heated soil per 1 sq. m. 2 gr.
After the shoot comes into being, provide it with proper care, and you can be sure that a blooming garden is provided for you, because albizia can freely reproduce by self-sowing. In the southern expanses of Russia, such annual trees grow up to 30 cm in height by September. You can calmly transplant them up to 8 years of age, older adults take root much worse. There are many nodules on the roots of the tree, thanks to which nitrogen-fixing bacteria enrich the soil well.
How to properly care for albizia
Lenkoran acacia self-care requires careful, namely:
- Lighting should be rich and bright.
- Temperature regime: in summer no higher than +25°, and in winter no lower than -8°.
- Periodic watering with settled water in spring and summer, and careful - in winter.
- Air humidity should be no higher than average.
- Complex mineral fertilizer. Albizia should be fed in spring and summer, and when it is at rest, it should not be touched.
- Cropping. The plant needs to be rid of weak branches by pruning.
- Transplant. Root cuttings should be transplanted into bulk dishes only after the tree has blossomed. When transplanting plants, you need to usehumus.
Ornamental plant near the house
Lankaran acacia will decorate your winter gardens and greenhouses, as well as the area near your house. In a bright, cool room, she will warm you with her warm energy. If you love natural beauty, then by all means plant this amazing plant where you see fit.
