Also known as Amargoseira · Bakayan · Bead Tree
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) is a fast-growing deciduous tree known for its fragrant flowers and ornamental fruit, though all parts are toxic.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Adaptable to various soil types; prefers well-drained.
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, including heat and moderate frost.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize young trees, mature trees rarely need it.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant, especially the fruit, are toxic if ingested. Contains meliatoxins.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Chinaberry thrives with moderate watering. Allow the top 5-10 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Mature trees are quite drought-tolerant once established.
Prune Chinaberry in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pruning can also be used to shape the tree and control its size.
Heavy pruning can be done to rejuvenate old specimens or to create a desired form.
Chinaberry can be propagated from seeds, which require stratification for germination. Sow seeds in spring after a period of cold treatment.
Stem cuttings can also be taken from semi-hardwood in summer and treated with rooting hormone to encourage establishment.
Repot young Chinaberry trees every 2-3 years, or when root-bound, preferably in early spring. Use a well-draining potting mix. Select a pot that is slightly larger than the current one.
Mature trees rarely need repotting and are best left in the ground.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chinaberry (Melia azedarach)
Where Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Melia |
| Species | Melia azedarach |
Similar in genus Melia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
