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chinaberry

plant, Melia species
Also known as: China tree, Melia azedarach, Persian lilac, bead tree(Show More)

Quick Summary

The chinaberry, also known as Melia azedarach, is a deciduous tree native to Asia that is widely planted for shade and ornamental purposes in tropical and warm temperate regions. It belongs to the Meliaceae family, commonly referred to as the mahogany family.12

Key characteristics of the chinaberry tree include:
* Leaves: Large, compound leaves arranged feather-like.1
* Flowers: Fragrant white or lilac flowers that grow in branched clusters.13
* Fruit: Round, yellow, fleshy fruits that contain hard, bony seeds.13

The chinaberry is also referred to as the bead tree or Persian lilac. The genus Melia contains trees with leaves that resemble those of ash trees.13

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. Meliaceae
  2. chinaberry
  3. Melia
  4. China tree

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