Plume Albizia
Paraserianthes lophantha
- Native to:
- Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Sumatera
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Paraserianthes
- Species:
- Paraserianthes lophantha
- USDA Symbol:
- PALO8
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- cream, yellow
Host Plant for Caterpillars
raspa sphinx moth (Syssphinx raspa)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Hummingbirds: Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, bees
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Seeds are stimulated by heat from fire; hard seed coat cracks after fire, promoting germination.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to southwestern Australia; adapts to various soil types
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) to break physical dormancy, then warm stratification for 30-60 days.