Samanea saman
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Scientific
Classification:
Synonyms: ·
Albizia
saman (Jacq.)
F.Muell.
Species
ID: NMP-265;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 76910;wfo-0000194888 Common
Names: Cow tamarind, french tamarind, monkey pod, rain
tree, arbre de pluie, saman Basic
Description:
Samanea saman is a large, deciduous tree that can reach heights of 15–25
meters, with a canopy diameter extending up to 30 meters. It features a broad,
umbrella-shaped crown, providing extensive shade. The leaves are bipinnate,
comprising 6–16 pairs of leaflets, each measuring 2–4 cm in length and 1–2 cm
in width. The tree produces pinkish flowers with white and red stamens,
arranged in loose, umbelliform heads containing 20–25 flowers. The fruit is a
broadly linear, compressed, indehiscent pod, 10–22 cm long, containing a sweet,
pulpy mesocarp and 5–20 ellipsoid seeds. Distribution
and Habitat:
Native to Central and South America, Samanea saman has been widely
introduced to tropical regions worldwide, including West Africa. In Nigeria, it
is commonly planted as an ornamental and shade tree in urban areas, parks, and
along roadsides. The species thrives in a range of habitats, from dry lowland
grasslands to moist, evergreen woodlands, and is adaptable to various soil
types, including those that are infertile or waterlogged. It prefers full sun
and can tolerate mean annual rainfall between 600–3,000 mm. Medicinal
Properties:
Various parts of Samanea saman are utilized in traditional medicine:
Known
Toxicity: There are
no widely documented toxic effects associated with Samanea saman.
However, as with many plants, it is advisable to exercise caution and consult
local knowledge before utilizing any part of the tree for medicinal purposes. Additional
Information:
References: External
Links
More Pictures
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| Compounds of Samanea saman | |
| References |
