Albizia guachapele

Cultivation Details

A plant of low to high elevations in the tropics, usually found below 500 metres, but up to 3,000 metres in Colombia. It requires a mean annual rainfall within the range 600 - 2,400mm, usually growing in areas with a dry season of up to 7 months^[1]. Requires a sunny position, though young seedlings can tolerate some shade for their first two years^[2]. Found in the wild on soil types ranging from sandy loam to gravel and rocks^[3]. Requires a well-drained soil^[3]. Very tolerant of shallow, infertile soils^[2], though it grows best in deep, fertile soils^[4].. A fast-growing tree^[1]. When grown in the open this species develops a poor form for timber use, with a short bole and a wide spreading crown. However, if grown at a high density, and with artificial pruning during the first four years, it will develop a good bole for timber^[2]. The tree is often left to provide shade when the forest is cleared for agriculture^[1]. The plant can survive forest fires^[3]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby^[1].