Townsville Siris / Sleeping Tree
Origin of name
Family: MIMOSACEAE
- Albizia in honour of Filippo degli Albizzi
- canescens meaning “becoming grey“
Occurrence
A local plant of open forest, occurring occasionally in monsoon forest and vine thickets.
Little known in cultivation. Occurs in heavy clay soil, clay-loams and sands, sometimes along streams and in gullies and seepage areas. Grows in full sun/part-shade.
Appearance
Medium tree (3-10m) with fissured/corky bark. Old leaves drop as new leaves appear. Rounded heads of cream flowers (Sep-Nov) lead to thin, flat pods 2-5 x 20-25cm.
Indigenous use: Gum (bush tucker). Now uncommon – overexploited owing to high quality of leaves as drought fodder and timber for cabinet-making. Fast-growing. Potential shade tree when water supply is adequate.
