chinaberry

Melia azedarach L.

Description from Invasive.org

Appearance: Melia azedarach is a deciduous tree growing to 50 ft. (15.2 m) in height and 2 ft. (0.6 m) in diameter.
Foliage: The leaves are alternate, bi-pinnately compound, 1-2 ft. (0.3-0.6 m) in length and turn golden-yellow in fall.
Flowers: Flowering occurs in the spring, when showy, lavender, 5-petaled flowers develop in panicles.
Fruit: Fruit are hard, yellow, marble-sized, stalked berries that can be dangerous on sidewalks and other walkways. Seeds are spread by birds.
Ecological Threat: Melia azedarach invades disturbed areas and is commonly found along roads and forest edges. It has the potential to grow in dense thickets, restricting the growth of native vegetation. Melia azedarach is native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. It was introduced into the United States in the mid 1800s for ornamental purposes.

Resources

Images, Video and Information - University of Florida - Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests - USDA Forest Service
Florida National Forests Invasive Plant Series - USDA Forest Service
Element Stewardship Abstract - The Nature Conservancy
Weed of the Week - USDA Forest Service
Invasive Species Management Plans for Florida - University of Florida - Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants

Selected Images from Invasive.org

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Tree(s)
Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Tree(s)
David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Flower(s)
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
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Fruit(s) immature
Franklin Bonner, USFS (ret.), Bugwood.org
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Foliage Leaf study
John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Bugwood.org
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Flower(s) Flowers with mature fruit from previous season in May
James H. Miller & Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, Bugwood.org
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Bark July
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Foliage July
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Feature(s)
David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Feature(s)
Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Fruit(s)
Ronald F. Billings, Texas A&M Forest Service , Bugwood.org
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Flower(s) Unopened flower buds; panicle shape easy to see here; April 2011; Coastal plains
Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
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Flower(s)
Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Plant(s) in winter
Ronald F. Billings, Texas A&M Forest Service , Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Tree(s) November
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Infestation along road
Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Infestation
David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Seed(s)
Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage