Melia azedarach – Bead tree, China berry, Persian lilac, Pride of India

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Meliaceae

Melia azedarach – Bead tree, China berry, Persian lilac, Pride of India

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Medium-size to large tree with quite loose, round to flat-topped spherical crown of 6 - 12 m. The dark brown to reddish brown bark is grooved when mature. The year-old twigs are relatively thick and green to reddish. The large bipinnate leaf consists of numerous leaf segments. It is 25 to 60 cm long and half as wide. Younger trees may show leaves up to 80 cm long. In autumn it turns yellow. In May the light violet flowers open in large loose panicles. They are followed by small, round light yellow berries. This fruits are what gave the tree the English name of Bead Tree. Melia thrives on many soils, provided it is sufficiently drained, tolerates drought and prefers a warm, sunny location. The tree is wind resistant, but it sensitive to cold, drying wind. Due to its lesser hardiness, in Northern Europe, Melia is only suitable as a park tree for sheltered sites.

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Specifications
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Height
6 - 15 m
Width
8-12m
Crown
round to flat-topped spherical, light, open crown, capricious growing
Bark and branches
dark brown to reddish brown, mature trunks grooved
Leaf
bipinnate, 25- 60 cm long, leaves ovate to elliptical, 2 - 5 cm long, dark green, feathered leaf
Autumn colour
yellow
Flowers
light violet, approx. 2 cm, loose panicles of 20 - 25 cm, May
Fruits
round berry with thin fleshy skin, approx. 1.5 cm. light yellow
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
quite fertile, well-drained soil, tolerates drought
Soil moisture
suitable for dry soil
Paving
tolerates partial paving
Winter hardiness zone
7b (-14,9 to -12,3 °C)
Wind resistance
good, but does not tolerate cold, drying wind
Other resistances
can withstand wind
Fauna tree
valuable for bees (honey plant), provides food for birds
Application
avenues and broad streets
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
North India, China
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree clay soil loamy soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates partial paving suitable for dry soil can withstand wind flatened spherical round/spherical 2nd size, between 6 and 12 metres open crown green May average growing Conspicuous bloom Feathered leaf Attractive autumn colour valuable for bees (honey plant) provides food for birds non-toxic (usually) Capricious growing Ornamental fruit playground tree
Frequently asked questions
Melia azedarach

Melia azedarach can eventually reach a height of 6 - 15 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Melia azedarach is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 6 - 15 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Melia azedarach turn yellow in autumn.

The right time to plant Melia azedarach is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Melia azedarach with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Melia azedarach blooms in may.
General