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Gardening info 101: Chinaberry trees
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Yellow seeds of the Chinaberry tree photo Judy Holly
Chinaberry trees, also known as, Texas Umbrella Trees are a common sight in the southwest.
They are one of the first trees to lose their leaves in the fall but are left decorated with hundreds of bright yellow seeds through the winter.
Melia azedarach is the scientific name, for Chinaberry trees. They are part of the Meliaceae family which is also known as the Mahogany plant family of trees and shrubs.
The Chinaberry tree is a beautiful spreading tree that naturally grows with an umbrella shape, hence the other common name of Texas Umbrella tree. Chinaberry trees grow in alkaline soils and survive dry and hot climates so they have been a popular tree in the southwest for many years and are suitable for Las Vegas conditions.
Chinaberry fruits can be poisonous if eaten in large quantities but it would be difficult to eat them as they are very hard. The chinaberries can be used for decorations or added to wreaths as long as they aren't mixed in with foods where someone might accidentally try to eat them.
The branches can break in strong winds so the tree should be pruned lightly to prevent lots of new weak sucker growth. When these trees are pruned heavily, they respond with quick growing suckers (shoots) that are generally much softer and weaker. Removal of water sprouts or suckers should be done as soon as possible before they become too large and heavy.
In the spring Melia sp. trees are covered with hanging clusters of lavender colored flowers that are very fragrant. In the evening they can perfume a whole neighborhood.
Even though the leaves shed early the tree still has a beautiful berry decorated form which contrasts nicely with the clear blue skies of November.
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