Chinaberry Tree

Chinaberry Tree Care

Melia Azedarach

What is the plant

Chinaberry is a member of the Mahogany family (Meliaceae) and is also known as “China Tree” and “Pride of India.” So, what is chinaberry tree? Growing chinaberry trees (Melia azedarach) have a dense spreading habitat attaining heights of between 30 to 50 feet tall (9-15 m.) and hardy in USDA zones 7-11. Growing chinaberry trees are prized as shade trees in their native habitat and bear pale purple tube-like blooms with a heavenly scent much like southern magnolia trees. They are found in fields, prairies, along roadsides and at the edge of wooded areas. The resulting fruit, marble sized drupes, are light yellow gradually becoming wrinkled and white over the course of the winter months. These berries are toxic to humans when eaten in quantity but the juicy pulp is enjoyed by many bird varieties, often resulting in rather “drunken” behavior.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

min -5°C

Hardiness zone

7 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
The tree should be watered regularly, although it will tolerate some drought and needs no irrigation through the winter months.
Pruning
Prune your chinaberry tree to remove root and shoot suckers and maintain the umbrella-like canopy.
Sunlight
in a sunny or partially shaded position

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Succeeds in most well-drained soils and in hot dry conditions. Likes sandy soils
Temperature
It can tolerate a mean maximum temperature in the hottest month of 39°c, with temperatures sometimes falling below freezing for short periods in the cool season. In general, trees will be killed by temperatures falling lower than about -5°c
Additional
These berries are toxic to humans when eaten in quantity but the juicy pulp is enjoyed by many bird varieties, often resulting in rather “drunken” behavior.