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Silk tree Facts

Silk tree Facts
Silk tree is a type of deciduous tree that belongs to the pea family. It originates from Asia. Silk tree grows in sub-tropical and tropical climates. It can be found in riparian and floodplain areas, woodlands, scrublands and disturbed areas. Silk tree can survive on the altitude of up to 3000 feet. It grows best on well-drained, slightly acidic soil, in areas that provide enough sun. Silk tree is cultivated worldwide as ornamental plant due to its beautiful, fragrant flowers. In many countries silk tree is listed as invasive plant because it quickly spreads and prevents growth of native species of plants.
Interesting Silk tree Facts:
Silk tree can reach 10 to 50 feet in height. It develops single or multiple trunks and wide crown.
Silk tree has smooth, thin, greenish-grey colored bark.
Silk tree has fern-like, bipinnate (doubly divided) leaves. They consist of 6 to 12 pairs of pinnae that bear 20 to 30 pairs of oblong leaflets. Leaves are alternately arranged on the stem.
Leaves of silk tree are closed during night and periods of rain. Thanks to this unusual feature, silk tree is also known as "sleeping tree".
Silk tree produces showy, pom-pom-like white or pink flowers. Numerous, silk thread-like stamens are responsible for the fluffy appearance of flowers.
Flowers of silk tree are organized in terminal, multi-branched inflorescence called panicle.
Silk tree blooms from May to August (depending on the region). Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs (stamens and pistil) but they are not compatible (flowers cannot perform self-pollination). Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are responsible for the pollination of this plant.
Fruit of silk tree is brown pod. Each pod contains several (usually 8) light-brown, oval-shaped seed. Fruit ripens from August to November.
Most seed falls directly to the ground and germinate close to the mother plant. Besides gravity, seed can be dispersed via wind, water and animals.
Silk tree can propagate via seed or vegetative, via root sprouts.
Seed of silk tree is covered with strong coat that prevents germination. Successful germination can be accomplished after removal or damaging of seed coat via exposure to water, heat, acid or mechanical stress. Seed retain ability to germinate even after 50 years of dormancy.
Seed of silk tree are important source of food for birds, squirrels and cattle. Deer consume leaves of silk tree, while nectar represents valuable source of food for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Silk tree is used in traditional Chinese medicine to induce relaxation. Scientific studies showed that extract of the silk tree produces antidepressant effect in mice.
Silk tree is used in the manufacture of cabinets in Asia.
Silk tree can survive from 10 to 45 years in the wild, depending on the climate and environmental conditions.


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