Chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach)

Also known as: Persian lilac, Cape lilac

The chinaberry tree is deemed invasive in numerous regions due to its ability to form dense thickets, which can overshadow and displace native plants. Additionally, the tree contains toxins harmful to humans and various animals, although certain species like cows and some birds can consume its fruit without adverse effects.

Attributes of Chinaberry tree

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

7 m to 12 m

Spread

9 m to 12 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.5 cm to 1.9 cm

Flower Color

Purple Pink Lavender

Images of Chinaberry tree

Quickly Identify Chinaberry tree

Broad crown with stiff branches

Pinnate leaves with feather-like appearance

Fragrant purple-tinged white flowers in clusters

Yellow drupes with hard round seeds

Distinctive bark with vertical striped pattern

Scientific Classification of Chinaberry tree

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

Family

Mahogany

Genus

melia

Species

Chinaberry tree

Planting and Growing of Chinaberry tree

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-12 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6-8

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Chinaberry tree?

When watering Melia azedarach, ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened, but avoid waterlogging. Adjust the amount based on environmental conditions, typically providing around 500 ml to allow the soil to be moist but not soggy.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Chinaberry tree? ›

What should I do if my Chinaberry tree is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Chinaberry tree? ›

How to save an overwatered Chinaberry tree? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Chinaberry tree?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours per day

Melia azedarach's ideal light range is full sun with the adaptability to partial sun. Adequate sunlight is crucial for promoting prolific flowering and maintaining overall plant vitality.

What is the ideal lighting for Melia azedarach? ›

How can you achieve ideal lighting for this plant? ›

What are the benefits of achieving ideal lighting? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Chinaberry tree?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 77℉

The ideal temperature range for cultivating Melia azedarach is between 68°F and 77°F. Such conditions ensure optimal growth and flowering, allowing the plant to maintain vibrant foliage and produce healthy blooms. This temperature range replicates the warm climates of its native habitat and maximizes photosynthetic efficiency.

What Soil is Best for Chinaberry tree?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Sandy soil

Soil PH: 6 ~ 8

Melia azedarach requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. The excellent drainage allows excess water to flow away, ensuring roots have access to both moisture and oxygen, promoting healthy growth. A nutrient-rich soil supports Melia azedarach's growth by providing essential minerals that facilitate vigorous foliage and flowering. Organic matter within the soil acts as a reservoir for nutrients, enhancing plant vigor. Soil with moderate moisture retention ensures that Melia azedarach stays hydrated without becoming waterlogged. This balance aids in maintaining a constant supply of water, vital for photosynthesis and overall health.

How to Fertilize Chinaberry tree?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Melia azedarach responds well to moderate fertilization. When applying granular or slow-release fertilizers, use approximately 30 grams per square meter. For liquid fertilizers, mix about 5 milliliters per liter of water, enough to lightly moisten the soil. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the plant.

How to Prune Chinaberry tree?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Avoid pruning during extreme temperature changes. It's best to prune during mild weather conditions to reduce stress on the plant. Melia azedarach can produce a significant amount of sap when cut. Be cautious and wear protective clothing to prevent contact with the sap. Prune ideally in the early growing seasons like spring or fall. This helps minimize damage and allows the tree to heal before the onset of more extreme seasons. Dispose of cut branches responsibly, especially if they show signs of disease, to prevent spreading pests or pathogens within your garden.

How to Propagate Chinaberry tree plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Gather seeds from ripe Melia azedarach fruit, clean them thoroughly to remove any remaining pulp, and allow them to dry before planting to reduce mold.

Use a well-draining potting mix, enriched with some organic matter, to plant your seeds or cuttings. Ensure the medium retains moisture but does not become waterlogged.

Plant seeds about 1cm deep or insert cuttings into the soil. Water gently to moisten the soil, maintaining consistent humidity for seed germination and cutting root development.

How to Repot Chinaberry tree plant?

Repotting frequency: Biennially or when cramped

Melia azedarach should be repotted when you notice the roots circling the bottom of the pot or when growth seems stunted. These are clear signals that your plant needs more room to grow, preferably done in the active growing seasons of spring or summer.

Opt for a pot that is one to two inches larger in diameter than the current pot for Melia azedarach. This allows the roots ample space to expand without overwhelming them. The pot should have adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

Choose a well-draining loamy soil that mimics the plant's natural environment. This type of soil provides excellent drainage while retaining the necessary nutrients and moisture, promoting healthy root development and overall plant growth.

Toxicity of Chinaberry tree

Is Chinaberry tree toxic to humans?

The chinaberry tree poses a significant toxicity risk to humans, primarily through ingestion. Its bark, flowers, and leaves are all harmful, but the most perilous aspect of this tree is its berries. While ingesting parts of the tree other than the berries generally results in mild poisoning, eating the berries can cause severe health issues. Common symptoms following the consumption of chinaberry berries include diarrhea, vomiting, appetite loss, abdominal pain, and, in severe instances, cardiac failure or even death. Fortunately, chinaberry trees lack any edible look-alikes, making poisonings quite uncommon. Occasionally, these trees are planted for ornamental purposes, and they have also become invasive in some regions. Therefore, parents should keep a close watch on their children when in the vicinity of chinaberry trees and discourage them from tasting the berries.

Is Chinaberry tree toxic to cat?

The presence of meliatoxins in various parts of the chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach) poses a moderate to severe toxicity risk to cats. If there's a suspicion that a pet has ingested any portion of this plant, it's essential to consult a veterinarian. While the bark, leaves, and flowers are all harmful, the ripe fruits are particularly notorious for causing significant distress when eaten. Symptoms may manifest as diarrhea, vomiting, excessive drooling, lethargy, and potentially seizures.

Is Chinaberry tree toxic to dog?

Every component of the chinaberry tree poses a serious toxicity risk to dogs, potentially leading to fatality within a 24-hour period if veterinary assistance is not sought. This plant emits a naturally occurring insecticide that can be detrimental to your pet's health upon ingestion. Symptoms typically manifest within a short time frame of two to four hours and may encompass bloody stools, severe drooling, diarrhea, and lethargy.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.