The Abizia Trees are Blooming!
Here on Kauai, we have more than a few plants which grow in an invasive abundance. There's guinea grass, which grows tall, strong and is covered in little spines. Then there is the lovely African tulip, which towers above, littering the ground with its beautiful orange-red flowers as it marches through the jungles unchallenged. But by far, the winner here is the Albizia tree, or as some call it the "widow-maker." These trees are a picture right out of the African savanna. They grow fast and tall, taking little time to build thick, strong limbs. This means it can be dangerous standing under one for too long (hence their nickname). But while many people despise this tree, we've learned to see the beauty in it. Like many fast-growing, fast-dying plants, it helps to slowly improve Kauai's clay-infused, sugarcane-damaged soil. And when it blooms, it's a sight like nothing else. As far as the eye can see, albizia canopies flood with white flowers, resembling soft snow and reflecting the sun's golden rays.
One Response to “The Abizia Trees are Blooming!”
From Our Gurus' Teachings
Archives are now available through 2001. Light colored days have no posts. 1998-2001 coming later.
June 19th, 2014 at 11:07 am
I never knew growing of sugarcane can damage the soil whereas
for small home gardeners planting leguminous plants adds
nutrient to the soil.