Siris, Albizia lebbeck, is a fast-growing shade tree with fragrant, cream-green powder-puff flowers and long, papery pods that rattle in the wind. Those pods gave it the nickname woman’s tongue tree. It grows wild and planted across India, and its timber, called East Indian walnut, is valued for furniture.
- Botanical name
- Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Tamil
- Vagai
- Hindi
- Siris
- Sanskrit
- Śirīṣa
- Parts used
- Bark, Flowers (lists)
- Habit
- Rain tree cousin of avenues
- Last updated
- 2026-10-26
How to recognise Siris
It is a medium to large deciduous tree with rough grey bark and twice-pinnate leaves of oblong, slightly lopsided leaflets.
Flowers are fluffy balls of long, greenish-white to cream stamens, sweetly scented, appearing in the hot season.
The pods are long, flat, straw-coloured and papery, staying on the tree for months and rattling in the wind.
Rain tree, Samanea saman, has pink powder-puffs and thick, dark, fleshy pods.
In the cold season the bare tree, hung with pale pods, is easy to recognise from far away.
Traditional use of Siris
Timber
The dark heartwood is used for furniture, panelling and carving.
Indian timber trade
Ayurveda
Shirisha is listed in classical texts as an important plant for allergic and skin conditions.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Modern notes on Siris
Its pollen is a recognised cause of seasonal allergy in India.
As a nitrogen-fixing tree it is used in agroforestry, and its leaves serve as fodder.
Siris safety
There is no established food use for people.
Ecology and sourcing
It is native from the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia and northern Australia, and planted throughout the tropics.
It can become invasive in some regions, such as parts of the Caribbean and Pacific.
Its flowers attract moths and bees at dusk.
It regrows quickly after lopping, so it survives heavy use around villages.
Related plants
Also in Fabaceae
Questions about Siris
Why woman’s tongue tree?
Its dry pods rattle constantly in the wind.
What older names does Albizia lebbeck go by?
Mimosa lebbeck.
Is Siris a rain tree?
No. The rain tree is Samanea saman.
Can Siris cause allergies?
Yes. Its pollen is a known spring allergen.
Sources
- Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q2717846 (Albizia lebbeck)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.