Lysiloma Sabicu

Description

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Lysiloma Sabicu (Sabicu) is a medium to large-sized tree or shrub growing to 35 feet or more. In addition, it has gray-brown scaly bark peeling off in strips. It also has an upright but weeping, moderately dense, irregular crown. Leaves are delicate, green, alternate, pinnate, 4 to 8 inches long. Commonly, with 2 to 4 pairs of primary leaflets each bearing 3 to 7 secondary leaflets; which are oval or obovate in shape, rounded at the tip and about 5 to1 inch long. New leaves have a reddish color. Flowers are white or greenish-white, borne in tight heads about 5/8 inch in diameter and resembling a powder puff. The blooms have long showy stamens.

Furthermore, the fruits are elliptical or oval pods, brownish, 2 1/2 – 5 x 3/4 – 1 1/2 inches, containing multiple flattened seeds, used for propagation. Sabicu sapwood has a dense, durable, dark red color resembling true mahogany (or horseflesh), but more dense and hard. Moreover, specific growth requirements of sabicu are not available but data from the closely-related and similar wild tamarind (lysiloma latisiliquim), native to the Florida Keys and Bahamas, suggests sabicu is tolerant of a range of well-drained soils.

In landscaping, sabicu’s delicate foliage and attractive blooms make it a good choice tree for the seaside, street and specimen tree, and civic center plantings, as well as in large planters and xerophytic gardens. It is also a popular bonsai plant.