Melia azedarach

Last updated

Melia azedarach
Melia azedarach 01434.jpg
Leaves, flowers, and fruit
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Meliaceae
Genus: Melia
Species:
M. azedarach
Binomial name
Melia azedarach
Synonyms
  • Azedara speciosaRaf.
  • Azedarach commelinii Medik.
  • Azedarach deleteria Medik.
  • Azedarach fraxinifolia Moench
  • Azedarach odoratum Noronha
  • Azedarach sempervirens Kuntze
  • Azedarach sempervirens var. glabrior (C.DC.) Kuntze
  • Azedarach sempervirens f. incisodentata Kuntze
  • Azedarach sempervirens f. longifoliola Kuntze
  • Azedarach sempervirens f. subdentata Kuntze
  • Melia azedarach var. intermedia (Makino) Makino
  • Melia azedarach var. subtripinnata Miq.
  • Melia azedarach var. toosendan (Siebold & Zucc.) Makino
  • Melia bukayun Royle
  • Melia cochinchinensis M.Roem.
  • Melia commelini Medik. ex Steud.
  • Melia composita Benth.
  • Melia florida Salisb.
  • Melia guineensis G.Don
  • Melia japonica G.Don
  • Melia japonica var. semperflorens Makino
  • Melia orientalis M.Roem.
  • Melia sambucina Blume
  • Melia sempervirens Sw.
  • Melia toosendan Siebold & Zucc. [2]

Melia azedarach, commonly known as the chinaberry tree, [3] pride of India, [4] bead-tree, Cape lilac, [3] syringa berrytree, [3] Persian lilac, [3] Indian lilac, or white cedar, [5] is a species of deciduous tree in the mahogany family, Meliaceae, that is native to Indomalaya and Australasia. [6]

Contents

Description

The fully grown tree has a rounded crown, and commonly measures 7–12 metres (20–40 feet) tall, exceptionally 45 m (150 ft). [7]

The leaves are up to 50 centimetres (20 inches) long, alternate, long-petioled, two or three times compound (odd-pinnate); the leaflets are dark green above and lighter green below, with serrate margins.

The flowers are small and fragrant, with five pale purple or lilac petals, growing in clusters.

The fruit is a drupe, marble-sized, light yellow at maturity, hanging on the tree all winter, and gradually becoming wrinkled and almost white.

Chemistry

Italo et al. 2009 and Safithri and Sari 2016 report flavonoids and phenols found in M. azedarach. [8] : 490 

Etymology

The genus name Melia is derived from μελία (melía), the Greek word used by Theophrastus (c. 371 – c. 287 BC) for Fraxinus ornus , [9] [10] which has similar leaves. [11] The species azedarach is from the French 'azédarac' which in turn is from the Persian 'āzād dirakht' (ازادرخت ) meaning 'free- or noble tree'. [12] [ full citation needed ]

Melia azedarach should not be confused with the Azadirachta trees, which are in the same family, but a different genus.

Ecology

Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) eating Melia azedarach fruit at Roorkee in Haridwar, District of Uttarakhand, India. Indian Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) eating Bakain (Melia Azadirachta) berries at Roorkee, Uttarakhand W IMG 9016.jpg
Indian grey hornbill ( Ocyceros birostris ) eating Melia azedarach fruit at Roorkee in Haridwar, District of Uttarakhand, India.

Some hummingbirds like the sapphire-spangled emerald (Amazilia lactea), glittering-bellied emerald (Chlorostilbon lucidus) and planalto hermit (Phaethornis pretrei) have been recorded as feeding on and pollinating the flowers; these only take it opportunistically. [13] [ page needed ]

Bees and butterflies do not use the flower (or the nectar) so it serves no pollinator benefit in the US. [14]

Pests such as cape lilac tree caterpillars, Leptocneria reducta , can severely defoliate the tree and cause a lot of damage to the tree in Australia. [15]

Fungal plant pathogen Pseudocercospora subsessilis is found on the leaves of the tree, [16] causing leaf spots. [17]

A mature Chinaberry tree is environment-versatile and can withstand temperatures as low as -5˚C and can survive in warm temperatures up to 39˚C. Although, according to the USDA, the tree exists as far up north as New York (Distribution data)

Uses

The plant was introduced around 1830 as an ornamental in the United States (South Carolina and Georgia) and widely planted in southern states. It was introduced into Hawaii in 1840. [14] It is considered an invasive species in Texas, [14] and by some American groups as far north as Virginia and Oklahoma. [18] But US nurseries continue to sell the trees, and the seeds are also widely available. It has become naturalized to tropical and warm temperate regions of the Americas and is planted in similar climates around the world. It is an ornamental tree in the southern part of Korea. [17]

It was planted in parks, public gardens, stream banks and along footpaths or roadsides in Australia. [19] The fragrant lilac flowers and yellow fruits of White Cedar make it an appealing ornamental tree. [20] The hard seeds of the plant could also be used in art and crafts, such as making beads for rosaries. It has naturalized in parts of Australia and in New Zealand, but it is classed as 'weed', [21] since it has the ability to colonise an area (with bird dropped seed) if left unchecked. [15]

Melia azedarach plank Melia azedarach00.jpg
Melia azedarach plank

The main utility of chinaberry is its timber. This is of medium density, and ranges in colour from light brown to dark red. In appearance it is readily confused with the unrelated Burmese teak ( Tectona grandis ). Melia azedarach, in keeping with other members of the family Meliaceae, has a timber of high quality, but in comparison to many almost-extinct species of mahogany, it is under-utilised. Seasoning is relatively simple — planks dry without cracking or warping and are resistant to fungal infection.

The tough five-grooved seeds were widely used for making rosaries and other products requiring beads; however, the seeds were later replaced by plastics. The cut branches with mature fruit are sold commercially to the florist and landscaping trade particularly as a component for outdoor holiday décor. The fruits may persist for some time prior to shattering off the stem or discoloring, which occurs rapidly after a relatively short time in subfreezing weather.

In Kenya the trees have been grown by farmers and used as fodder trees. The leaves can be fed to cattle to improve milk yields and improve farm incomes. [22] The taste of the leaves is not as bitter as that of the leaves of neem (Azadirachta indica).

In Australia, particularly the suburbs of Melbourne, the tree is often used in nature strip plantings by local councils. The councils plant such trees for amenity reasons as well as environmental, social and economic benefits. [23]

Leaves have been used as a natural insecticide to keep with stored food, but must not be eaten as they are highly poisonous. [24] Chinaberry fruit was used to prevent insect larvae from growing in the fruit. By placing the berries in, for example, drying apples and keeping the fruit turned in the sun without damaging any of the chinaberry skin, the fruit will dry and will prevent insect larvae in the dried apples.[ citation needed ] A mature tree can yield approximately 15 kilograms of fruit annually.

A diluted infusion of leaves and trees has been used in the past to induce uterine relaxation.[ citation needed ]

The tree's Limonoid contains useful anticancer and antimalarial compounds.


Toxicity

The fruits have evolved to be eaten by animals, which eat the flesh surrounding the hard endocarp or ingest the entire fruit and later vent the endocarp. If the endocarp is crushed or damaged during ingestion or digestion, the animal will be exposed to the toxins within the seed. The processes of mastication and digestion, and the degree of immunity to the particular toxins, vary widely between species, and there will accordingly be great variation in the clinical symptoms following ingestion. [25]

Fruits are poisonous or narcotic to humans [26] if eaten in large quantities. [27] [ page needed ] According to Chinese medical literature, human poisoning can occur if 6 - 9 fruits, 30 - 40 seeds, or 400 grams of the bark are eaten. However, these toxins are not harmful to birds, who gorge themselves on the fruit, eventually reaching a "drunken" state.[ citation needed ] The birds that are able to eat the fruit spread the seeds in their droppings. The toxins are neurotoxins and unidentified resins, found mainly in the fruits.[ citation needed ] The first symptoms of poisoning appear a few hours after ingestion. They may include loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, bloody faeces, stomach pain, pulmonary congestion, cardiac arrest, rigidity, lack of coordination and general weakness. Death may take place after about 24 hours.[ citation needed ] As in relatives, tetranortriterpenoids constitute an important toxic principle. These are chemically related to azadirachtin, the primary insecticidal compound in the commercially important neem oil. These compounds are probably related to the wood and seed's resistance to pest infestation, and maybe to the unattractiveness of the flowers to animals.[ citation needed ]

The plant is toxic to cats. [28]

Related Research Articles

<i>Azadirachta indica</i> Species of plant

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, margosa, nimtree or Indian lilac, is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and to parts of Southeast Asia, but is naturalized and grown around the world in tropical and subtropical areas. Its fruits and seeds are the source of neem oil. Nim is a Hindustani noun derived from Sanskrit nimba (निंब).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meliaceae</span> Family of plants commonly known as the Mahogany family

Meliaceae, the mahogany family, is a flowering plant family of mostly trees and shrubs in the order Sapindales.

<i>Prunus laurocerasus</i> Species of plant

Prunus laurocerasus, also known as cherry laurel, common laurel and sometimes English laurel in North America, is an evergreen species of cherry (Prunus), native to regions bordering the Black Sea in southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe, from Albania and Bulgaria east through Turkey to the Caucasus Mountains and northern Iran.

<i>Solanum carolinense</i> Species of plant

Solanum carolinense, the Carolina horsenettle, is not a true nettle, but a member of the Solanaceae, or nightshade family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, native to the southeastern United States, though its range has expanded throughout much of temperate North America. The plant is an invasive in parts of Europe, Asia, and Australia. The stem and undersides of larger leaf veins are covered with prickles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loquat</span> Species of plant

The loquat, called biwa in Japan, is a large evergreen shrub or tree grown commercially for its orange fruit and for its leaves, which are used to make herbal tea. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.

<i>Cerbera odollam</i> Species of tree

Cerbera odollam is a tree species in the family Apocynaceae commonly known as the suicide tree or pong-pong. It bears a fruit known as othalanga that yields a potent poison that has been used for suicide and trials by ordeal.

<i>Averrhoa carambola</i> Species of tree

Averrhoa carambola is a species of tree in the family Oxalidaceae native to tropical Southeast Asia; it has a number of common names, including carambola, star fruit and five-corner. It is a small tree or shrub that grows 5 to 12 m tall, with rose to red-purple flowers. The flowers are small and bell-shaped, with five petals that have whitish edges. The flowers are often produced year round under tropical conditions. The tree is cultivated in tropical and semitropical regions for its edible fruits.

<i>Azadirachta</i> Genus of flowering plants

Azadirachta is a genus of two species of trees in the mahogany family Meliaceae. Numerous species have been proposed for the genus but only two are currently recognized, Azadirachta excelsa and the economically important tree Azadirachta indica, the neem tree, from which neem oil is extracted. Both species are native to the Indomalaysian region, and A. indica is also widely cultivated and naturalized outside its native range.

<i>Ziziphus mauritiana</i> Species of plant

Ziziphus mauritiana, also known as Indian jujube, Indian plum, Chinese date, Chinese apple, ber and dunks is a tropical fruit tree species belonging to the family Rhamnaceae. It is often confused with the closely related Chinese jujube, but whereas Z. jujuba prefers temperate climates, Z. mauritiana is tropical to subtropical.

White cedar may refer to several different trees:

<i>Pseudocercospora subsessilis</i> Species of fungus

Pseudocercospora subsessilis is a fungal plant pathogen infecting chinaberry tree. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas on host species of the genera Azadirachta and Swietenia.

<i>Aglaia argentea</i> Species of flowering plant

Aglaia argentea is a species of plant in the family Meliaceae. It is a tree found in Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, and Thailand.

<i>Swietenia macrophylla</i> Species of plant

Swietenia macrophylla, commonly known as mahogany, Honduran mahogany, Honduras mahogany, or big-leaf mahogany is a species of plant in the Meliaceae family. It is one of three species that yields genuine mahogany timber (Swietenia), the others being Swietenia mahagoni and Swietenia humilis. It is native to South America, Mexico and Central America, but naturalized in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Hawaii, and cultivated in plantations and wind-breaks elsewhere.

The name Persian lilac is commonly used for two different woody plants.

<i>Melia</i> (plant) Genus of trees

Melia is a genus of flowering trees in the family Meliaceae. The name is derived from μελία, the Greek name used by Theophrastus for Fraxinus ornus, which has similar leaves.

<i>Semecarpus australiensis</i> Species of tree in the family Anacardiaceae

Semecarpus australiensis, commonly known as the tar tree, native cashew, marking nut, or cedar plum, is a species of tree in the cashew, sumac and mango family Anacardiaceae, native to parts of Melanesia and northern Australia. Contact with the plant can cause serious allergic reactions, a common characteristic of this family.

<i>Elaeocarpus bancroftii</i> Species tree in the family Elaeocarpaceae endemic to Queensland, Australia

Elaeocarpus bancroftii, commonly known as Kuranda quandong, Johnstone River almond, ebony heart, grey nut, or nut tree is a large rainforest tree in the family Elaeocarpaceae which is endemic to Queensland. It has coriaceous leaves, attractive white flowers and relatively large fruit containing an edible kernel.

<i>Prunus ursina</i> Species of plant

Prunus ursina is a species of prunus native to the woods of Western Asia from Turkey to Syria, Israel and Lebanon. Some sources include this species in Prunus cocomilia.

<i>Epicharis parasitica</i> Species of plant in the family Meliaceae

Epicharis parasitica, commonly known as yellow mahogany, is a species of rainforest tree in the family Meliaceae native to Taiwan, parts of Malesia, Papuasia, and northeast Queensland.

References

  1. ↑ Linnaeus, C. (1753)
  2. ↑ "Melia azedarach L. — the Plant List". Archived from the original on 11 November 2018. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Melia azedarach". Germplasm Resources Information Network . Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture . Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  4. ↑ Nelson, Gil (1996). "Meliaceae - Mahogany Family". The Shrubs and Woody Vines of Florida – A Reference and Field Guide. Pineapple Press Inc. p. 213. ISBN   9781561641109.
  5. ↑ "Melia azedarach". Australian National Botanic Gardens. Australian Government. 2015. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  6. ↑ Mabberley, David J. (5 September 1984). "A Monograph of Melia in Asia and the Pacific: The history of White Cedar and Persian Lilac" (PDF). The Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 37 (1): 49–64. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 December 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
  7. ↑ Floyd, A. G. (1989). Rainforest Trees of Mainland South-eastern Australia. Inkata Press. p. 204. ISBN   9780909605575.
  8. ↑ Öztürk, Munir; Hakeem, Khalid Rehman, eds. (2018). Plant and human health. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. ISBN   978-3-319-93997-1. OCLC   1055656284. ISBN   978-3-030-06768-7.
  9. ↑ Bailly, Anatole (1 January 1981). Abrégé du dictionnaire grec français. Paris: Hachette. ISBN   2010035283. OCLC   461974285.
  10. ↑ Bailly, Anatole. "Greek-french dictionary online". www.tabularium.be. Archived from the original on 5 October 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  11. ↑ Quattrocchi, Umberto (2000). CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names. Vol. 3 M-Q. CRC Press. pp. 1650–1651. ISBN   978-0-8493-2677-6. Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  12. ↑ Merriam-Webster
  13. ↑ Baza Mendonça & dos Anjos (2005)[ page needed ]
  14. 1 2 3 "CHINABERRY TREE details". www.tsusinvasives.org. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
  15. 1 2 Sheng, Toh Ming. "Melia azedarach - Growing Native Plants". www.anbg.gov.au. Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
  16. ↑ "Species Fungorum - Names Record". www.speciesfungorum.org. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  17. 1 2 Seo, S.T.; Shin, C.H.; Park, J.H.; Shin, H.D. (2013). "First report of leaf spot caused by Pseudocercospora subsessilis on Melia azedarach in Korea". Plant Disease. 97 (7): 993. doi:10.1094/PDIS-10-12-1004-PDN. PMID   30722579.
  18. ↑ Langeland & Burks
  19. ↑ Batcher, M.S. (2008). Element of Stewardship Abstract for Melia azedarach. The Nature Conservancy.
  20. ↑ Elliot, W.R.; Jones, D.L. (1993). Encyclopedia of Australian Plants Suitable for Horticulture (6 ed.). Melbourne.: Thomas C. Lothian Pty Ltd.
  21. ↑ Hussey, B.M.J.; Keighery, G.J.; Dodd, J.; Lloyd, S.G.; Cousens, R.D. (1997). Western Weeds: a guide to the weeds of Western Australia . Plant Protection Society of Western Australia (Inc.).
  22. ↑ "Fodder trees for more milk and income" (PDF). 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  23. ↑ "Street and Park Tree Management Strategy". City of Kingston. Archived from the original on 28 November 2019. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  24. ↑ The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants. United States Department of the Army. New York: Skyhorse Publishing. 2009. p. 128. ISBN   978-1-60239-692-0. OCLC   277203364.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  25. ↑ Watt, John Mitchell; Breyer-Brandwijk, Maria Gerdina (1962). The Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of Southern Africa. ASIN   B0058WI2ZU. AGRIS id US201300681257. CABI ISC 19620605093.
  26. ↑ Little, Elbert L. (1994) [1980]. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Western Region (Chanticleer Press ed.). Knopf. p. 517. ISBN   0394507614.
  27. ↑ Russell et al. (1997)[ page needed ]
  28. ↑ "Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Cats". ASPCA. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.

Sources

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.