Chinaberry

Melia azederach L.

ME-lee-ah ah-ZED-ah-rack

Meliaceae

Explanation of name: Generic name from the Greek name for Ash (Fraxinus), which is superficially a little similar. Azederach comes via French from Persian azad-dirakht, meaning "free tree." (http://satirist.org/swapa/wotm/azederach.html).

Natural range: Asia, escaped in Florida as an invasive exotic species

Recognition: A potentially very large, deciduous tree (often around old homes or escaped) with 2-3-pinnate, serrate-margined leaves. The small, star-shaped flowers are abundant and have light violet petals around a dark purple eye. The yellow-green toxic fruits are in clusters resembling grapes.

Landscape uses: An old-fashioned, fast-growing shade tree, invasive and not recommended. Listed as Category II invasive by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.

Note: Naturally insecticidal (WIL)