Melia azedarach
chinaberry
Southern Asia and northern Australia
Overview
Melia azedarach is a fast-growing deciduous tree in the mahogany family, reaching 30-50 feet (9-15 m) tall with a rounded, spreading crown of similar width. The bark is gray-brown and furrowed, and the bipinnate leaves are 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) long, divided into many toothed, pointed leaflets that cast light shade. In spring it bears loose, branched clusters of fragrant, five-petaled flowers about 0.7 inch (18 mm) across, pale lilac with a darker purple central tube. These are followed by round yellow drupes 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) across that ripen in autumn and hang on through winter after the leaves fall. The fruit, leaves, bark, and seeds contain toxins that can sicken or kill people, livestock, and pets if eaten in quantity. The tree seeds heavily, suckers from the roots, and resprouts when cut, and is listed as invasive across the southeastern United States. Its wood is brittle and limbs break in storms, and the dropped fruit stains paving.
Native Range
Native to southern Asia and northern Australia, from the Himalayan foothills through India and Southeast Asia into northern Australia. It has naturalized widely in warm regions worldwide and is invasive across the southeastern United States.Suggested Uses
Grown as a fast shade or street tree in warm climates for its light canopy and spring flowers, spaced 25-35 feet (7.5-11 m) apart. In regions where it is invasive, planting is discouraged or restricted. The flowers draw bees and the winter fruit is eaten by some birds, though it is toxic to many animals.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 50'
Width/Spread30' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Fragrant lilac flowers open in spring, from March to May depending on climate, over about two to three weeks. The scent carries on warm days. Yellow drupes develop through summer, ripen in autumn, and remain on the tree well into winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale lilac with purple centerFoliage Description
Green, yellow in autumnGrowing 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