Melia azedarach

Melia azedarach has various names such as Chinaberry tree, Persian lilac, or Ceylon mahogany. Cultivated for centuries as a temple tree in Persia, Ceylon, and Malaysia, this small ornamental and useful tree has made its way through the centuries, from the arid regions of the Himalayas to the Mediterranean region. Spared by insects and diseases, it charms with its light and fragrant flowering, reminiscent of lilac, and then with its honey-coloured fruits that persist on the branches in winter. In the absence of being spectacular, it presents an undeniable advantage for gardeners: its extreme robustness, coupled with an undemanding nature. This deciduous shrub thrives in any well-drained soil and in any exposure, with only one weakness: it fears very cold winters.

The genus Melia, belonging to the Meliaceae family, has only one species, Melia azedarach, widely distributed in Asia, from Iraq to Japan, southern China to Australia, eastern Africa, and the Mediterranean basin. This species is quite polymorphic depending on its environment. It is native to the southern Himalayas (Baluchistan and Kashmir). It owes its nickname "Chinaberry tree" to the use that was made in the past of its naturally pierced fruit stones. It is also called Ceylon mahogany, as it is a close relative of other mahogany trees (Khaya, Swietenia, Dysoxylum), tropical trees highly prized in cabinet-making. The lifespan of Melia azedarach reaches 200 years and its growth is very fast, at least during the first years. It is hardy in zone 8, down to -12 to -15°C (10.4 to 5°F).

This small tree has a spreading habit with a rounded and airy crown. It reaches an average height of 9m (29ft) with a spread of 3m (10ft). Its bark is greyish-brown, smooth, and cracks longitudinally with age, revealing a wood of ochre colour, while the young branches are slightly tinged with red. Its root system is extensive and it can sucker at a distance, like the strawberry tree. Its foliage falls in autumn and reappears late in spring, at the same time as the flowering. It consists of long leaves reaching 25 to 45cm (10 to 18in) in length, divided into numerous ovate and pointed leaflets with more or less toothed edges. They are a bright green, shiny on the upper side, lighter underneath, and then turn yellow before falling in autumn. When crushed, the leaves give off an odour that can be unpleasant, due to the presence of insecticidal compounds. The flowering takes place in May-June, earlier or later depending on the climate. It appears as loose panicles measuring 20 to 25cm (8 to 10in) long, emerging from the leaf axils on the current year's branches. These fragrant clusters are formed by numerous small tubular and star-shaped flowers with 5 petals, about 1.5 to 2cm (1in) wide, and light lilac in colour. The corolla tube is a deeper violet, and the anthers are yellow. This flowering gives way to clusters of round fruits, about 1.5cm (1in) in diameter, which are initially acidic green, becoming honey-yellow when ripe. They persist on the branches long after the leaves have fallen, delighting birds and bats that disperse the seeds. The hard, oval, ribbed fruit stone is naturally pierced like a pearl. It contains 6 chambers with 6 seeds that resemble brown rice grains.

Melia azedarach is not one of those shrubs that you dream of acquiring at all costs, but it is not devoid of charm, and it is valuable for bringing a touch of luxuriance to the barren or wild areas of the garden, even in dry and poor soil. It stands out during flowering, then fades into the background until winter when its fruits attract attention. It can be planted in a border or an informal hedge with other undemanding shrubs such as the Bee Bee tree, Elaeagnus, wild roses, strawberry trees, elderberries, pyracantha, Tetraclinis, large viburnums, and many others.

Properties, uses:

In Italy, it was once cultivated to make rosary beads from its stones. The oily seeds produce oil used in soaps, waxes, lubricants, as well as a vermifuge and for treating certain liver and kidney disorders. Its foliage is used as fodder. This medicinal plant is highly appreciated in Ayurvedic medicine.

The shrub also has quality wood, ranging in colour from yellowish-pink to dark red. It is rot-resistant, with a fine grain. It is called "Ceylon mahogany" and resembles teak (Tectona grandis).