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Melia spp.
chinaberry
Tropical and subtropical Asia and Australasia
Overview
Melia is a small genus of deciduous trees in the mahogany family (Meliaceae), native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Australasia, and the Pacific, and most familiar as M. azedarach, the chinaberry or white cedar. Trees grow fast to 20–50 ft (6–15 m) tall with a broad, spreading crown and furrowed bark. The large, bipinnate to tripinnate leaves are divided into many toothed leaflets and cast a light, ferny shade. Loose panicles of fragrant, star-shaped flowers in pale lilac to purple, each with a darker central tube, open in spring. These give way to clusters of round, yellow, marble-sized drupes that hang on the bare branches through winter. All parts, especially the ripe fruit, contain meliatoxins and are poisonous to humans, dogs, and livestock if eaten, though some birds feed on them. The trees tolerate heat, drought, poor soil, and salt, and self-seed and sucker freely, which has made M. azedarach an invasive weed in the southern United States, Australia, and elsewhere. The wood is light and brittle and the branches break in storms. The species is short-lived but quick to cast shade.
Native Range
Melia azedarach is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, from India and China through Southeast Asia, and to northern Australia. It has been planted around the world and has naturalized widely in warm regions.Suggested Uses
Grown as a fast shade and street tree in warm, dry regions, and the durable, lightweight timber is used for furniture and joinery. The hard seeds are drilled and strung as beads, giving the name bead tree. Because it spreads readily and the fruit is toxic, it is avoided in many areas and removed where it has naturalized.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 50'
Width/Spread20' - 40'
Bloom Information
Flowering comes in spring, with loose panicles of small, star-shaped lilac to purple flowers that carry a sweet scent. Bees and other insects visit the blooms. Yellow drupes follow and ripen through autumn, then persist on the leafless tree over winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
lilac to purpleFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight