How to identify Chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach)
Chinaberry tree, also known as Persian lilac, Cape lilac
Chinaberry tree is recognized by its rounded crown that spans broadly over its stiff, coarse branches. The leaves of the plant are pinnate, presenting a feather-like appearance, while the fragrant purple-tinged white flowers blossom in broad clusters. Berries follow the flowering season, morphing from green to a bright yellow as they mature. Typically, chinaberry tree reaches heights of up to 33 feet (10 meters), thriving in well-drained soils and requiring minimal maintenance once established. Its robust nature allows it to adapt to various soil conditions, enabling it to survive in a wide range of environments.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Broad crown with stiff branches
Pinnate leaves with feather-like appearance
Fragrant purple-tinged white flowers in clusters
Yellow drupes with hard round seeds
Distinctive bark with vertical striped pattern
Chinaberry tree has alternate, bipinnately compound leaves measuring 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) in length. The leaflets are toothed, pointed, and can grow up to 2.75 inches (7 cm) long. They have a lighter undersurface compared to the top. In fall, the leaves display a yellow-green color. Each leaflet is finely serrated with a textured feel, and the overall leaf structure is notably divided, contributing to its unique appearance.
Chinaberry tree produces long, fragrant panicles of lilac-colored flowers in the spring. Each cluster, measuring 8-16 inches (20-40 cm), contains numerous small flowers with a lavender-lilac hue. The flowers emit a chocolate-like fragrance and are arranged in large terminal clusters. Blooming occurs in early summer, making these flowers a standout feature due to their color, scent, and striking arrangement.
The fruits of chinaberry tree are distinctive drupes, about 0.4-0.5 inches (10-13 mm) in diameter. These globular fruits have a mucilaginous, sticky texture and exhibit wrinkled surfaces. When ripe, they boast a color palette ranging from yellow to yellow-green. Notably, each fruit encases a hard, round seed, likened to a marble in appearance. These fruits develop post-flowering and are known to persist on the tree, even after leaves have fallen, through the cooler months, from fall into spring.
Scan QR code to download
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Identify a Plant Online
Scientific Classification of Chinaberry tree
