Chinaberrytree
Melia azedarach
- Native to:
- Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Guam, Hainan, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Navassa Island, Nepal, New Guinea, Pakistan, Palau, Philippines, Solomon Is., Sri Lanka, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Zeynel Cebeci
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Meliaceae
- Genus:
- Melia
- Species:
- Melia azedarach
- USDA Symbol:
- MEAZ
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- lavender, purple, white
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
connubial underwing (Catocala connubialis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from roots and stumps after fire or cutting, contributing to its invasive potential.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, fertile loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to varied habitats, adaptable to different soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Scarification or removal of fleshy fruit pulp improves germination. Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI