Melia azedarach

Plant Characteristics

Cultivation

Scientific Names

Melia >

azedarach >

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Read about Melia azedarach in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Melia azedarach, Linn. China-Tree. China-Berry. Pride Of India. Fig. 2347. Tree, to 40 ft. and more, making a thick trunk with furrowed bark: lvs. 2-compound, to 3 ft. long, stalked; lfts. many, ovate, oval or elliptic, acute, sharp-toothed or lobed: fls. purplish, in open panicles 4-6 in. long; petals oblanceolate or narrow-oblong, obtuse; sepals acute; ovary 5-celled: drupe nearly globular, yellow and smooth, ½ -3/4 in. diam. Himalayan region, 2,000-3,000 ft. altitude, and probably native elsewhere in Asia; now widely planted. B.M. 1066. S.I.F. 2:35 (as M. japonica).—It has become naturalized throughout the S.; the northern limit of its hardiness is about Norfolk, Va., or somewhat southward, on the coastal plain area; it is luxuriant in N. C., except in the Piedmont country. The tree grows with great rapidity, and forms one of the most desirable shade trees, both from the bright green tint of the foliage, which is retained until late in the autumn, and also from the fragrance of the numerous lilac-colored fls. which are produced in April. These are succeeded by an abundant crop of berries, of a yellowish translucent color, which are readily eaten by cattle and birds. In some countries, the seeds are used for the making of rosaries. The wood, although coarse, is very durable. The tree can withstand a low temperature, but a cold of zero will injure or kill it. Several forms have been found, a white-flowering and one with the segms. of the lfts. cut in narrow divisions. These forms are not constant, the seedlings frequently reverting to the typical species. In all forms of M. Azedarach, the lvs. are 2- or 3-pinnate, the ultimate 1fts. ovate or lanceolate, and varying from serrate to very nearly entire. Var. umbraculiformis, Berckm. (var. umbraculifera, Hort.). Texas Umbrella Tree. Fig. 2348. Lfts. are less broad than in M. Azedarach, and the branches erect, and, in a manner, radiating from the trunk, the drooping foliage giving the tree the appearance of a gigantic umbrella. Mn. 8, p. 73. F.E. 26:187. G.F. 7:95.—The first tree that came to notice is said to have been found near the battlefield of San Jacinto, Texas, but with no record of its intro. there. If the fls. are not cross-pollinated with the common sort, the percentage of seedlings which reproduce the exact umbrella shape seldom varies; hence it is supposed by some to be a distinct species. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

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References

• Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture, by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963

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