Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Chinaberry (Melia azedarach)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Sapindales>Meliaceae>Melia azedarach L.

Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) leaves

This weedy small tree introduced from China grows along roadsides and in waste places. It's common in the Coastal Plain, occasional in the Piedmont, and rare in the Mountains.

New Hanover Co., NC 8/26/06.

Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) leaves

The large bipinnately compound leaves have a unique angular shape. Other common names include Chinese Umbrella Tree, Pride-of-India, and "Mahogany" (it is a relative of West Indian Mahogany).

Washington Co., NC 6/21/06.

Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) flowers

The small flowers have white petals, tinged with lavender.

Greenville, NC 5/5/06.

Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) fruits

Washington Co., NC 6/21/06.

Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) fruits

The one-seeded drupes are tan colored when ripe.

Pitt Co., NC 11/6/05.

Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) bark

Bark of a sapling.

Washington Co., NC 6/21/06.

Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) bark

The smooth bark of a young tree is vertically streaked green and brown with scattered pale lenticels.

New Hanover Co., NC 8/26/06.

More information:
Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
University of Florida

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