Acacia or Albizzia or other?

Discussion in 'Identification Area' started by CarolineL, Jul 19, 2021.

  1. CarolineL

    CarolineL Total Gardener

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    A friend used to have a tree fern, but it died. However something grew up from the base (something that had lodged in the outer hairy layer maybe?) and has produced this. It is kept indoors, and has not yet produced any flowers. She does not grow anything else like it, so it hasn't been seeded there recently. The interesting variation of the leaf form made me think it's an acacia (though it seems there are pinnate leaves BEYOND the phyllodes), but the very pinnate leaves look more like albizzia. Any suggestions please? (I attach a picture of the stem being supported by bamboo, to show where it came from!)
    UnknownbyTreeFern1.jpg
    UnknownbyTreeFern2.jpg
     
  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I'd say acacia.
    Just in the process of going adult.

    It would fit anyway, if the tree fern was from Tasmania, Acacia seed caught up in the roots would be quite normal I would think.
     
  3. CarolineL

    CarolineL Total Gardener

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    Hmm @pete you're probably right, but I'm not going to attempt to identify the species. I guess if it's from Tasmania it might be hardy enough to chance in the ground? Then it might flower and we'd stand a chance of identifying...
     
  4. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Some years ago I grew a very large tree called A.. melonoxylon, probably not that as they all look the same when young but worth a thought.
     
  5. strongylodon

    strongylodon Old Member

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    It has got a bit of both looking at the leaves, Albizia and the phyllodes, Acacia but I don't know if Albizia ever has phyllodes. Lets hope it can be kept to flowering size.
     
  6. CarolineL

    CarolineL Total Gardener

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    It's getting a bit tall, so will probably have to chance it outside anyway! Not sure re albizia and phyllodes - I killed the only one I've ever grown, but I recall seeing one in Paris that was definitely just pinnate leaves.
     
  7. Victoria

    Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

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    I had two Albizia in Alabama but they were fully grown. There are many here but again fully grown. I would not have guessed Albizia ... but I have been known to be wrong. :whistle:
     
  8. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    You dont get phyllodes on Albizia.
    Not no never.:smile:
     
  9. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Also Albizia roots dont smell like Acacia roots do.
     
  10. CarolineL

    CarolineL Total Gardener

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    But not all acacia roots smell anyway
     
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