Propagated by seed. Seed dormancy can be broken by scarification or soaking seed in concentrated sulphuric acid for 10 minutes then washing and soaking in water for 18 hours. Transplant seedlings after 6-8 weeks. Space at 330/ha for shade. Plant the same year as the coffee seedlings. Weed until the plants reach a height of 1 m. Trees grown for shade can be allowed to grow ~7 m tall and then should be cut back to 4 m. Early growth can be promoted with a mixture of 60% lime, 30% superphosphate, and 10% urea mixed with the soil in each planting hole at time of planting. Tolerates frequent pruning. Trees can be harvested for fodder twice a year during the growing season by cutting the stem back to 1 m.
Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Albizia chinensis
Livestock Forage
Fuelwood
Lumber
English Common Name
The Sau Tree
Indonesian Common Name
Sengon
Tree Family
Fabaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
0.8cm
Length
×
0.225cm
Width
Tree Height
Medium (20–35m)
Elevational Range (m)
0–1800m
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Native to Indonesia
Native to
Region
Asia
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam
Indonesia
Borneo, Java, Lesser Sunda Islands, New Guinea, Sumatra
Coffee Agroforestry Information
Coffee System
Robusta
Arabica
Coffee Impact
Beneficial to coffee
Prevalence
Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Regeneration
Unknown
Tree Management
Tree Benefits and Uses
Farmer Uses
- Livestock Forage
- Fuelwood
- Lumber
The wood is used to make light furniture, tea chests, and veneers. The tree is used for shade, to restore soil nutrients as fertilizer, and as protection for coffee plants. The leaves are readily eaten by goats.
Farm Services
- Coffee Shade
- Soil Improvement
- Nitrogen Fixation
Coffee shade: does not provide shade until fourth year
Biodiversity Benefits
Yes
Used by Javan loris when moving through the canopy. Used as perching tree for macaques.