Question 1

What is Albizia lebbeck used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Ayurvedic practice, Albizia lebbeck is primarily used to address respiratory and allergic conditions, skin disorders, and inflammatory complaints. The bark is the most commonly used part, typically prepared as a decoction. Flowers and seeds also appear in classical formulations targeting cognitive and skin health.

Question 2

Is Albizia lebbeck found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Albizia lebbeck grows naturally and as a planted species across Sri Lanka, particularly in the dry and intermediate zones of the North Central and North Western provinces. It is also commonly planted along roadsides and in urban parks for shade. The tree is officially catalogued as an Ayurvedic medicinal plant in Sri Lanka.

Question 3

What is the Sinhala name for Albizia lebbeck?

Accepted Answer

Albizia lebbeck is known as Mara or Suriya Mara in Sinhala. It is also widely recognised by its English common names, Siris tree and woman's tongue tree, the latter referring to the rattling dry seed pods characteristic of the species.

Question 4

What does Albizia lebbeck look like?

Accepted Answer

It is a large deciduous tree, typically reaching 18–30 metres in height, with a broad, spreading canopy. The leaves are bipinnate and cast filtered shade. The bark is grey-brown and fissured with age. Its most distinctive feature is the flat, papery seed pods that dry and rattle audibly in the wind.

Question 5

Is Albizia lebbeck safe to use medicinally?

Accepted Answer

While Albizia lebbeck has a long history of use in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine systems, its safety and efficacy for specific conditions have not been fully established through large-scale clinical trials. Anyone considering medicinal use should consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or physician before beginning any plant-based treatment.

Question 6

What other plants are similar to Albizia lebbeck in Sri Lankan Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

Several other leguminous trees share a comparable role in Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic tradition, including Acacia chundra and Pongamia pinnata. Like Albizia lebbeck, these species are valued for their bark and seed preparations and tend to grow in the dry and intermediate zones of the island.

Question 7

Does Albizia lebbeck have any ecological benefits?

Accepted Answer

As a nitrogen-fixing legume, Albizia lebbeck actively improves soil fertility, making it valuable in agroforestry systems where crops benefit from the enriched soil beneath its canopy. Its fast growth rate and tolerance for dry conditions also make it useful for reforestation and windbreak planting in degraded landscapes.

Albizia lebbeck

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