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Melia azederach
  • Bead Tree

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Melia genus in the family Meliaceae.

Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • no shade
    No shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 9
    Zone 9
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Melia azederach has 0 edible uses listed
Melia azederach has 0 material uses listed
Melia azederach has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

The fruit is somewhat poisonous[1][2][3]. Ripe fruits are more toxic than green ones[4]. As little as six fruits have caused fatalities in children[5]. All parts of the plant contain toxins that can cause gastric tract irritation and degeneration of the liver and kidneys[5].

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves - cooked[1][6]. A bitter flavour, they are used as a pot-herb, in curries, soups etc[1].

Fruit[1]. A sweetish flavour, it is eaten by children though some people believe it to be poisonous[1]. The fruit is between 1 and 5cm in diameter[7] and contains a single seed[8]. 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[4].

A cooling drink is made from the sap[1] - it is actually a gum[9]. This gum is tasteless, clear to dark amber and of good solubility[9]. The sap is obtained from incisions that are made near the base of the trunk in the spring[1].

Unknown part

Drink
Gum

Fruit

Unknown use

Leaves

Unknown use

Material uses

The seed contains up to 40% of a drying oil[10]. It is used for lighting, varnish etc[2][11].

The musk-scented seeds are used as beads in rosaries[12][13][3][14][15]. The fruits are a source of a flea powder and an insecticide[16][11]. The whole fruit is ground up and used[17]. The fruit pulp is also used as an insect repellent[18]. The leaves repel mosquitoes and other insects[3][19][20].

Wood - tough, durable, moderately heavy, somewhat brittle, handsomely marked, takes an excellent polish. It has a musk-like aroma[15]. It is used for making furniture, packing cases etc[10][21][18][22]. Because it is fast-growing, it is often used as a fuel[23].

Unknown part

Beads
Insecticide
Oil
Parasiticide
Repellent
Wood

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Used externally in the treatment of rheumatism[2][24].

An aqueous extract reduces the intensity of asthmatic attacks[25]. (This report does not specify the part of the plant that is used[K].) The leaf juice is anthelmintic, antilithic, diuretic and emmenagogue[4][25]. A decoction is astringent and stomachic[4]. The leaves are harvested during the growing season and can be used fresh or dried[26]. The flowers and leaves are applied as a poultice in the treatment of neuralgia and nervous headache[4][25]. The stem bark is anthelmintic, astringent and bitter tonic[27][28][4]. It is used as a tonic in India[27]. It can be harvested at any time of the year and is used fresh or dried[26]. The fruit is antiseptic and febrifuge[4]. The pulp is used as a vermifuge[22]. The fruit is harvested in the autumn when it is fully ripe and can be used fresh or dried[26]. The seed is antirheumatic[4][25]. It is used externally. The root bark is emetic, emmenagogue, purgative and vermifuge[27][28][4]. It is highly effective against ringworm and other parasitic skin diseases[4]. It can be harvested at any time of the year and is used fresh or dried[26]. A gum that exudes from the tree is considered by some to have aphrodisiac properties[27].

This plant should be used with caution, preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[26]. Excess causes diarrhoea, vomiting and symptoms of narcotic poisoning[26].

Unknown part

Anthelmintic
Antirheumatic
Antiseptic
Aphrodisiac
Astringent
Bitter
Diuretic
Emetic
Emmenagogue
Febrifuge
Laxative
Lithontripic
Purgative
Stomachic
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a greenhouse. The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn[29][26]. The seed usually germinates well. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[30]. Root cuttings[31].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Melia azederach. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a sunny sheltered position[32]. Succeeds in most well-drained soils and in hot dry conditions[7]. Likes sandy soils[29]. Grows well in mild coastal areas[29].

A very ornamental tree[12], it is not very cold tolerant being killed by temperatures lower than about -5°c[33]. It only succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of Britain[32], seldom growing larger than a shrub[34]. It is hardy on a sunny wall in S.W. England[35][8]. It is often cultivated in warmer regions than Britain for its many useful qualities[12]. The flowers are produced on the current years wood and have a delicate sweet perfume[34][15]. The trees do not normally require pruning[8]. The seeds have a strong scent of musk and the wood is also musk-scented[15]. Trees are very susceptible to forest fire, though they sprout back readily from the roots[36]. They are planted for re-afforestation in their native areas, where they are fast growing though short-lived[7][36].

Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[7].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Melia azederach. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Melia azederach.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Melia azederach
Genus
Melia
Family
Meliaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][6][7][8][4][9]
Medicinal uses
[2][24][25][4][26][27][28][22]
Material uses & Functions
[10][2][11][12][13][3][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]
Botanic
[35][13][7]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
9
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
deciduous
Herbaceous or Woody
woody
Life Cycle
perennial
Growth Rate
vigorous
Mature Size
9 x 9 meters
Fertility
?
Pollinators
?
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
hermaphrodite











References

  1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.7 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.4 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Polunin. O. and Huxley. A. Flowers of the Mediterranean. Hogarth Press ISBN 0-7012-0784-1 (1987-00-00)
  4. ? 4.004.014.024.034.044.054.064.074.084.094.104.11 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.1 Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J [Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas] Botanical Research Institute, Texas. (1999-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.5 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins ISBN 0-00-219220-0 (1983-00-00)
  9. ? 9.09.19.2 Howes. F. N. Vegetable Gums and Resins. Faber ()
  10. ? 10.010.110.2 Chakravarty. H. L. The Plant Wealth of Iraq. ()
  11. ? 11.011.111.2 Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation (1968-00-00)
  12. ? 12.012.112.212.3 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.113.2 Polunin. O. and Stainton. A. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press (1984-00-00)
  14. ? 14.014.1 Gupta. B. L. Forest Flora of Chakrata, Dehra Dun and Saharanpur. Forest Research Institute Press (1945-00-00)
  15. ? 15.015.115.215.315.4 Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
  16. ? 16.016.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
  17. ? 17.017.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
  18. ? 18.018.118.2 Vines. R. A. Trees of Central Texas. University of Texas Press ISBN 0-292-78958-3 (1987-00-00)
  19. ? 19.019.1 Niebuhr. A. D. Herbs of Greece. Herb Society of America. (1970-00-00)
  20. ? 20.020.1 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
  21. ? 21.021.1 Gamble. J. S. A Manual of Indian Timbers. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh (1972-00-00)
  22. ? 22.022.122.222.3 Vines. R.A. Trees of North Texas University of Texas Press. ISBN 0292780206 (1982-00-00)
  23. ? 23.023.1 Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-527-6 (2002-00-00)
  24. ? 24.024.1 Lassak. E. V. and McCarthy. T. Australian Medicinal Plants. ()
  25. ? 25.025.125.225.325.4 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
  26. ? 26.026.126.226.326.426.526.626.7 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  27. ? 27.027.127.227.327.4 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
  28. ? 28.028.128.2 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
  29. ? 29.029.129.2 Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
  30. ? Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
  31. ? Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
  32. ? 32.032.1 Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent (1990-00-00)
  33. ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Pan Books, London. ISBN 0-330-37376-5 (1998-00-00)
  34. ? 34.034.1 Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)
  35. ? 35.035.1 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
  36. ? 36.036.1 Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. ISBN 0442238622 (1980-00-00)


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Facts about "Melia azederach"RDF feed
Article is incompleteYes +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupYes +
Belongs to familyMeliaceae +
Belongs to genusMelia +
Has common nameBead Tree +
Has drought toleranceTolerant +
Has edible partUnknown part +, Fruit + and Leaves +
Has edible useDrink +, Unknown use + and Gum +
Has environmental toleranceDrought +
Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
Has growth rateVigorous +
Has hardiness zone9 +
Has lifecycle typePerennial +
Has material partUnknown part +
Has material useBeads +, Insecticide +, Oil +, Parasiticide +, Repellent + and Wood +
Has mature height9 +
Has mature width9 +
Has medicinal partUnknown part +
Has medicinal useAnthelmintic +, Antirheumatic +, Antiseptic +, Aphrodisiac +, Astringent +, Bitter +, Diuretic +, Emetic +, Emmenagogue +, Febrifuge +, Laxative +, Lithontripic +, Purgative +, Stomachic + and Tonic +
Has search namemelia azederach + and x +
Has shade toleranceNo shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
Has sun preferenceFull sun +
Has taxonomy nameMelia azederach +
Has water requirementsmoderate +
Is deciduous or evergreenDeciduous +
Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +