Bead Tree, Pride of India, Chinaberry

Melia azederach

Physical Characteristics

Melia azederach is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft) by 9 m (29ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - N. India to China. Naturalized in the Mediterranean.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Oil Edible Uses: Drink Gum Oil Leaves - cooked[2, 105]. A bitter flavour, they are used as a pot-herb, in curries, soups etc[2]. Fruit[2]. A sweetish flavour, it is eaten by children though some people believe it to be poisonous[2]. The fruit is between 1 and 5cm in diameter[200] and contains a single seed[219]. Both these reports, of edible leaves and fruits, should be treated with some caution. The fruit is poisonous according to one report where it says that the ripe fruit is more poisonous than the green fruit and that they have sometimes caused human fatalities[218]. A cooling drink is made from the sap[2] - it is actually a gum[64]. This gum is tasteless, clear to dark amber and of good solubility[64]. The sap is obtained from incisions that are made near the base of the trunk in the spring[2].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antiasthmatic Antirheumatic Antiseptic Aphrodisiac Astringent Bitter Diuretic Emetic Emmenagogue Febrifuge Laxative Lithontripic Parasiticide Poultice Purgative Skin Stomachic Tonic Vermifuge Used externally in the treatment of rheumatism[4, 152]. An aqueous extract reduces the intensity of asthmatic attacks[240]. (This report does not specify the part of the plant that is used[K].) The leaf juice is anthelmintic, antilithic, diuretic and emmenagogue[218, 240]. A decoction is astringent and stomachic[218]. The leaves are harvested during the growing season and can be used fresh or dried[238]. The flowers and leaves are applied as a poultice in the treatment of neuralgia and nervous headache[218, 240]. The stem bark is anthelmintic, astringent and bitter tonic[21, 176, 218]. It is used as a tonic in India[21]. It can be harvested at any time of the year and is used fresh or dried[238]. The fruit is antiseptic and febrifuge[218]. The pulp is used as a vermifuge[227]. The fruit is harvested in the autumn when it is fully ripe and can be used fresh or dried[238]. The seed is antirheumatic[218, 240]. It is used externally. The root bark is emetic, emmenagogue, purgative and vermifuge[21, 176, 218]. It is highly effective against ringworm and other parasitic skin diseases[218]. It can be harvested at any time of the year and is used fresh or dried[238]. A gum that exudes from the tree is considered by some to have aphrodisiac properties[21]. This plant should be used with caution, preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[238]. Excess causes diarrhoea, vomiting and symptoms of narcotic poisoning[238].

Known Hazards

The fruit is somewhat poisonous[2, 4, 89]. Ripe fruits are more toxic than green ones[218]. As little as six fruits have caused fatalities in children[274]. All parts of the plant contain toxins that can cause gastric tract irritation and degeneration of the liver and kidneys[274].