MELIA AZEDARACH

Botanical Name: Melia azedarach
Common Names: Chinaberry, Persian Lilac, Indian Lilac, Árbol del Paraíso
Mature Size: 25–50 feet (7–15 meters) in height, 20–30 feet (6–9 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Adaptable to various soil types; prefers well-drained soils
Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Deciduous, with large, bipinnate leaves that are aromatic when crushed
Flowers: Clusters of fragrant, star-shaped lilac to pale purple flowers in spring
Growth Rate: Fast

Uses:

Ornamental Tree: Melia azedarach is valued for its rapid growth, lush canopy, and attractive floral display, making it an excellent choice for avenues, parks, and large gardens.

Shade Tree: With its wide, spreading crown, it provides ample shade in hot climates, contributing to thermal comfort in urban and residential landscapes.

Urban Planting: Tolerant of poor soils and urban pollution, it is commonly used in cities for its robustness and ease of cultivation.

Benefits:

Drought Resistance: Once established, this tree thrives in dry and warm environments with minimal irrigation.

Fast Establishment: Its quick growth makes it ideal for new landscapes or reforestation projects needing immediate impact.

Floral and Visual Appeal: Offers seasonal interest with showy, fragrant blooms and decorative yellow berries that persist into winter.

Wildlife Value: Flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while fruits provide food for birds.

Melia azedarach is a fast-growing, resilient, and visually striking tree that combines ornamental beauty with practical function. Perfect for Mediterranean and temperate landscapes, it delivers quick shade, seasonal color, and ecological value with little maintenanc.