[ID] Some sort of Acacia?

[lennard]

All I know about this tree that is was brought in to South-Africa as a source for firewood because the tree grows very quickly. It has become an invader in the moderate temperature areas.

It has double pinnate compound leaves that close by night and even when handled roughly(It's not a "Touch me not" (Mimosa pudica)).

The tree is thornless.

It grows right through the year so I believe it is tropical.

Every one here knows about the tree and its history but no one can give me a name.

BLARE NABY.jpg

verlkein.jpg

All help will be appreciated.

Lennard

[Ash]

Hi Lennard,
Have you got a photograph of the flower or of a whole tree in situ?
There are many spp. it could be.
regards
Ash

[Bougy Fan]

Is it a Albizia julibrissin - Persian silk tree ? It is commonly confused as an acacia or a mimosa.

[Hackimoto]

Probably Tipuana tipu, the racehorse tree.

[lennard]

Is it a Albizia julibrissin - Persian silk tree ? It is commonly confused as an acacia or a mimosa.

Sorry for replying only now - missed it some way. You are right, I have confirmed it as the mentioned species when the mother tree bloomed last year. Here is an update - not the best picture:

July 2012.jpg

The species has a lot of potential as bonsai because it grows very fast and can be cut back very hard - even back to leafless stubs. Pinching regularly reduce the leaf size and the composite leaves can be cur back to the last two stalks to reduce the leaves also.

Hackimoto, Tipuana is a declared weed here - lovely yellow flowers but very invasive - have not yet tried them as bonsai.

Thanks for the replies.

Lennard