I was wondering if you were familiar with the name Siris Tree. Did you also know that it has medicinal purposes? The Siris tree is easily recognised by its long, flat pods and yellowish-white flowers.

What is Siris Tree?

The Siris tree, or Albizia lebbeck, is a species of Albizia native to Indomalaya, New Guinea and northern Australia, and has since been introduced and naturalised throughout the tropics and subtropics. It is widespread in India, south-east Asia and northern Australia.

This plant is a common sight in the southern Indian countryside, especially along roadsides.The Siris tree is a massive tree that can reach heights of 18-30 m and has a trunk that can range in diameter from 50 cm to 1 m. The leaves are bipinnate, 7.5-15 cm long and divided into one to four pinnules, with 6-18 leaflets per pinnule.

Branches are widely spaced. The flowers are pure white and have a pleasant fragrance. The flowers are 2.5 to 3.8 cm long. The pod-like fruit is 15-30 cm long and 2.5-5.0 cm wide and contains 6-12 seeds. The flowers are solitary, in the axils and yellow. It looks like a powder puff.

In what ways can the Siris Tree be used to treat illness?

1. Apply as a treatment for inflammation.
2. Herpes and other infectious skin illnesses may have fewer symptoms as a result.
3. Helpful in the treatment of chest congestion and coughing
4. Facilitates a speedier recovery from injuries sustained.
5. Beneficial in reducing the severity of the consequences of poisoning.
6. Good for the appearance of the skin and the body as a whole.
7. Utilized successfully in the treatment of skin conditions.
8. Calms the itching and scratching that are common symptoms of skin conditions.
9. Cleanses and purifies the skin.
10. A treatment for respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, wheeze, and croup that is currently in development.

How is the Siris Tree used in medicine?

11. The antimicrobial properties of a decoction made from its bark make it an effective gargle.
12. Since ancient times, people have used the stems and branches to brush their teeth.
13. 2 drops of fresh leaf juice in each eye to prevent seasonal eye allergies, excessive watering and night blindness.
14. 2-4 drops of fresh juice in each nostril to prevent seasonal nasal allergies and sinusitis.
15. Its bark or leaves are used to make a fine paste which is then applied to sores or blisters on the skin that are burning and itchy.

Geographical Distribution and Uses

Among the many species of Albizia, the siris tree, is one of the most common and widespread. It is widespread throughout the Indian provinces, as well as in neighbouring Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. This plant can be found in the foothills of the Himalayas up to an altitude of 1,200 metres.

The Siris tree is used for a variety of purposes including environmental management, forage, medicine and timber. It is grown as a shade tree in North and South America. Its wood is a valuable commodity in India and Pakistan. 

Wood from the Albizia lebbeck tree has a density of 0.55 to 0.66 g/cm3. Some local herbivores may still rely on lebbeck as a food source, even though it isn’t native to the area. The greater rhea (Rhea americana), a flightless bird native to eastern South America, has been seen eating it in the Cerrado of Brazil.

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only.

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