Melia azedarach

Melia azedarach, more commonly known as the Chinaberry tree, is a deciduous perennial shrub or tree native to India, China, Australia, and the Himalayas.  Petite, fragrant flowers decorate the tree with clusters of purple or lilac petals throughout the spring and summer.  Feathery, serrated foliage grows in an alternate pattern along the Chinaberry tree's branches, with dark green on the top and pale green adorning the undersides.  When planning to grow other plants around a chinaberry tree, consider the effect of its leaf litter on the surrounding soil.  As time passes, the fallen foliage makes the soil more alkaline, which is unsuitable for many plants.  Choosing plants that are also tolerant to alkaline soils can help prevent losses in the future.  Chinaberry trees produce drupes that become yellow and wrinkly upon reaching maturity, and continue to fade to white as they age.  These fruits are not edible due to their toxicity, but they are often dyed and strung to make beaded jewelry.  Make sure to provide adequate space for the chinaberry tree's root system, as they have been known to damage septic fields and pipes with their shallow root systems.  

To promote vigorous growth, provide Chinaberry trees with a location that receives between six and eight hours of direct sun exposure daily.  Rich, well-draining soil is ideal for growing chinaberry trees, though they are rather adaptable to most soil types.  When watered regularly during the summer, Chinaberry trees can withstand significant heat exposure and often experience faster growth with greater watering frequency.  Container grown chinaberry trees should be watered after the top two inches of soil have been allowed to dry out.  Chinaberry trees do not need to be fed regularly, though they can require supplemental nutrients if their soil has specific deficiencies.  Yellowing foliage and reduced growth can indicate a nitrogen deficiency, while yellowing leaves with brown tips can be a sign of a potassium deficiency.  If the foliage turns blue-green with spots, then there is likely a low level of phosphorus in the soil, and a balanced NPK formula can be used to remedy all of these deficiencies.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Melia Azedarach

Melia azedarach

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