The Siris Tree

The Siris, or Shireesh tree Albizia lebbeck, is not a common tree in urban areas, although it is a native of India. I found this tree on the banks of the River Krishna last month. Although it had finished flowering, there were a few cream coloured , brush shaped flowers here and there. But they were all high up, out of the reach of my camera. The dry pods shivered with each gust of wind, making a rusling sound. This constant sound made by the pods has earned the tree the name of 'Woman's Tongue Tree'- most probably coined by a man.
The Siris is a medium sized tree, and is very useful. Its timber is of good quality, and all parts of it are used in Ayurvedic medicine. The tree is mentioned often in ancient Sanskrit literature. Many men in India are named after it. It is a pity that such a handsome tree is replaced by its cousin Albizia saman , as a preferred shade tree along highways.