Accession Count: 2
Common Name:
chinaberry
Family Name:
Meliaceae
Botanical Name:
Melia azedarach
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
'Umbraculiformis'
Characteristics:
Compound:
Mel aze Umb
Geographic Origin:
East Asia
Ecozone Origin:
Indomalaya
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Chinaberry is native to East Asia but has been widely dispersed in the past 300 years. In the late 1700's a French botanist brought the Chinaberry tree overseas to the United States (1). In the early 1800's it spread through Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. Chinaberry is most abundant in northern and western Florida and often takes over scrub, sandhill, mesic flatwoods, hardwood and maritime forests as well as stream banks. It is now found as far north as Virgina and has made its way west across the United States. Around the world it has naturalized in tropical, temperate and subtemperate areas.
Cultivation Notes:
The Chinaberry tree can tolerate dry soils and semi-shade. It grows multiple stems or trees from roots sprouts or root collars. It spreads abundantly by seed as well that is often carried great distances by birds. It is commonly found on roadsides, forest margins, open areas and near dwellings in areas below 1000 ft (3). Growing very quickly the Chinaberry often displaces native vegetation in favorable climates (4). The leaf litter produced by this tree is highly alkaline and increases the pH of the soil making it difficult for other plants to grow nearby. The Chinaberry also has allelopathic properties, meaning that the tree produces compounds that make it difficult for other plants to grow (1).
Ethnobotany:
The fruits of the Chinaberry are poisonous to humans and some mammals. Birds, mammals and gravity are the main agents of seed dispersal. Typically the Chinaberry is planted as an ornamental tree for shade. Its durable seeds are sometimes used for rosary beads. The wood of the Chinaberry tree is used in carpentry to make cabinets and other furniture. Studies of the tree have also shown that it has potential medicinal uses as an antibacterial, antimalarial, anti-fertility and antiviral.
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
