Albizia Julibrissin (Persian Silk Tree) 合歓木(ネムノキ)

Japanese follows English. 英語の後に日本語が続きます。

This is albizia julibrissin or more commonly Persian silk tree or pink silk tree. Its leaves close during the night, so it's called "Sleeping tree" in Japan.

The tree is popular. It's a kigo* for summer. It's also a theme for paintings, including the one in the third photo "Sparrow in a silk tree" by Keibun Matsumura at Tokyo National Museum.  
* Kigo are words or phrases that are associated with a particular season in haiku or Japanese poetry.

The flower means delight in Japan, and the tree is a symbol of a happy couple in China. I may need to give this tree to my parents, who often fight these days....😁 

Albizia julibrissin 合歓木

Silk tree is awake during the day! ねむの木、昼は起きてます!

"Sparrow in a silk tree" by Keibun Matsumura, 19th century

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近所の合歓木です。夜は寝ているのでねむの木。海外でも「Sleeping tree」と呼ぶところもあるようです。俳句や絵画でも取り上げられていて、東京国立博物館で松村景文(1779~1843)筆「合歓木雀図」(3枚目)を見つけました。花言葉は「歓喜」、夏の季語です。

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