Albizia odoratissima, a member of the family Fabaceae, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree reaching 15 to 25 m (49 to 82 ft) in height, a diameter of 120–150 cm (47–59 in), and native to large parts of India (where it is known as கருவாகை, Kali siris or black siris), Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka (where it is known as Ceylon rosewood) and China.

The species' wide range of habitat, usefulness and rapid growth of about 1 m (3 ft) in height annually, has led to an extensive distribution in the tropics and occasionally in the temperate zones, despite young plants' being susceptible to frost.

It seasons with few problems, and works and polishes well, finding applications in structural timber, furniture and agricultural implements.

In Bangladesh large areas of tea and coffee plantations are shaded by this species, while the foliage makes good cattle fodder.

The species is liable to genetic degradation due to the 'extensive felling of phenotypically superior trees for commercial purposes.