Origin
Silk Tree is thought to originate in Indonesia and New Guinea.
Uses
The wide-spreading branches of silk tree make it popular as a shade tree. It has light colored wood for furniture making and its pulpwood is suitable for paper- making. Leaves are cut and used as fodder, providing animals the benefit of the 30% protein content of the foliage.
Cultivation
Because of its very rapid growth, the tree is susceptible to wind damage. It will grow in soil that may be intolerable for other trees. It will withstand a wide variety of moisture levels even water logging. Optimum elevation is 0-700 meters (0-2300 feet). When seeds are planted close together in narrow rows, the trees grow straight and the foliage closes over quickly to shade out most of the weed growth. It is easily propagated by seed or cuttings, or stumps can be left to sprout.
Pests and Diseases
Caterpillars of many species will feed on bark and foliage, monkeys and deer on the young, tender growth.
References