Species · GBIF taxon 2968262
Falcataria moluccana
falcataria moluccanaAlso known as Moluccan Albizia, Batai, Peacock's Plume, White Albizia
Moluccan albizia is one of the fastest-growing trees on Earth, capable of shooting upward by several meters in a single year to form a massive, umbrella-shaped canopy. While its nitrogen-fixing roots enrich poor soils, its brittle, lightweight wood makes it highly susceptible to sudden limb drop during storms. In regions where it has been introduced, this towering pioneer species rapidly displaces native forests and poses a significant hazard to nearby infrastructure.
Fast-growingInvasiveNitrogen-fixing
Licensed referenceForest & Kim Starr / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
- diet
- Sunlight, water, and atmospheric nitrogen fixed through root nodules
- family
- Fabaceae
- threats
- Gall rust disease, wood-boring beetles, and severe windstorms
- life Span
- 30 to 50 years
LC
Safe to observe from a distance, but avoid standing under the brittle canopy during high winds.
- Identify by canopy: Look for a massive, flat-topped, pale green canopy that towers over surrounding vegetation.
- Watch for hazards: Keep a safe distance from mature trees during windy weather due to their notoriously weak wood.
- Observe the leaves: Notice the delicate, double-feathered compound leaves that fold up slightly in the evening.