Melia azedarach aka Persian Lilac

Taxonomy

Genus Melia Family Meliaceae Order Sapindales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Melia azedarach, also known as chinaberry tree, is a deciduous tree belonging to the mahogany family. Originally native to Indomalaya and Australasia, it is now found in fields, prairies, along roadsides, and at the edge of wooded areas. Growing up to 50 feet tall, chinaberry trees bear pale purple tube-like blooms with a heavenly scent similar to southern magnolia trees. The tree produces marble-sized drupes that are light yellow and become wrinkled and white over the winter months. While the juicy pulp is enjoyed by many bird varieties, the berries are toxic to humans when ingested in large quantities. Chinaberry is often used as an ornamental plant, shade tree, and fuelwood, but it is also considered an invasive species in the southeast United States, where it was introduced by a French botanist in the late 1700s.

Common names

Persian Lilac, China Berry

How to care for Persian Lilac

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Persian Lilac is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Persian Lilac should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Persian Lilac loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Persian Lilac requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your China Berry is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Persian Lilac to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Persian Lilac is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Region of origin

Persian Lilac’s native range is E. Asia - N. India to China. Naturalized in the Mediterranean.

More info:
Wikipedia

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