Syringa Berrytree
Melia azedarach
Also known as
Chinaberry Tree, Bead-Tree, Cape Lilac, Persian Lilac, Indian Lilac, Maksering, Bessieboom, Kaapse Sering (Afr.), Seringboom (Afr.), Pride of China, Pride of India, Bead tree
Melia azedarach 01434 by Anna Anichkova (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
9a
USDA zone
-7°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
23m | Max | 10m |
15m | Min | 5m |
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has a strong fragrance
More images of Syringa Berrytree
Syringa Berrytree Overview
Melia azedarach is known by many common names including Chinaberry Tree, Syringa Berrytree and Cape Lilac. This plant is a large spreading tree from the Meliaceae family. It produces attractive, scented lilac flowers which lead onto bead-like fruits. The leaves can reach up to 80cm in length, they are dark green and oppositely arranged on stems. Cape Lilac can grow up to 23m high with reddish-brown, smooth bark. Often grown in South Africa as street trees or in large gardens for shade. The tree is a good source of timber and the dried berries were used as beads. The leaves, bark, flowers and ripe fruit (berries) are poisonous.
Common problems with Syringa Berrytree
Sometimes it will suffer infestations from Scale, Whitefly and sooty mould.
Syringa Berrytree Companion Plants
Under-plant with plants that have strong root systems and love shade.
How to harvest Syringa Berrytree
Generally not harvested.
How to propagate Syringa Berrytree
Seed
Seeds germinate easily, sow seed as temperatures warm up in spring in situ or into pots.
Special features of Syringa Berrytree
Drought resistant
The tree can withstand long dry spells.
Attracts useful insects
Attracts bees
Attracts birds
Many birds species feed on the berries and spread them.
Other uses of Syringa Berrytree
Grown for their flowers, foliage and fruits. It is useful for very dry soil and does well in coastal gardens in mild areas.
Timber
The main utility of chinaberry is its timber. It has a timber of high quality, but as opposed to many almost-extinct species of mahogany, it is under-utilised. Seasoning is relatively simple, in that planks dry without cracking or warping and are resistant to fungal infection.
Landscaping
Often used as street trees.
