Melia azedarach

L.

Chinaberry

GNRUnranked Found in 12 roadless areas NatureServe Explorer →
GNRUnrankedGlobal Rank
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.152741
Element CodePDMLC03010
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderSapindales
FamilyMeliaceae
GenusMelia
Other Common Names
Chinaberrytree (EN) Umbrella Tree (EN)
Concept Reference
Kartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Taxonomic Comments
This species has been introduced from the Old World tropics. It is easily distinguished from all other Meliaceae in the Neotropics by its 2-3-pinnate leaves, with serrate, crenate, or dentate leaflets.
Conservation Status
Review Date1994-03-22
Change Date1994-03-22
Edition Date1993-02-09
Edition AuthorsBlythe, K. (TNC-LASP)
Rank Reasons
Melia azedarach is introduced in the New World and commonly cultivated and naturalized throughout tropical America from Mexico to Argentina, and south Florida. In some regions it has been planted commercially. In Puerto Rico planted and locally naturalized in the coastal and lower mountain regions.
Range Extent Comments
Naturalized throughout tropical America, from Asia. Found in disturbed sites, thickets, old fields, and in cultivation, in south Florida.
Ecology & Habitat
Other Nations (1)
United StatesNNA
ProvinceRankNative
ArizonaSNANo
GeorgiaSNANo
New MexicoSNANo
LouisianaSNANo
VirginiaSNANo
AlabamaSNANo
ArkansasSNANo
FloridaSNANo
CaliforniaSNANo
MissouriSNANo
North CarolinaSNANo
OklahomaSNANo
MississippiSNANo
South CarolinaSNANo
New YorkSNANo
UtahSNANo
HawaiiSNANo
TennesseeSNANo
Plant Characteristics
Economic Value (Genus)No
Roadless Areas (12)
Arizona (7)
AreaForestAcres
Catalina St. Pk. Roadless AreaCoronado National Forest951
Cdo WsaCoronado National Forest1,955
GaliuroCoronado National Forest28,333
Middle Romero WSRCoronado National Forest60
Oracle RoadlessCoronado National Forest22,365
Santa TeresaCoronado National Forest8,929
TumacacoriCoronado National Forest44,594
California (5)
AreaForestAcres
CajonSan Bernardino National Forest7,548
ColdwaterCleveland National Forest8,402
LaddCleveland National Forest5,300
Magic MountainAngeles National Forest15,542
Mill CreekSequoia National Forest27,643
References (5)
  1. Kartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
  2. Little, E., Jr. & Wadsworth, F. 1964. Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. 548 páges.
  3. Little, E.L., Jr. 1979. Checklist of United States trees (native and naturalized). Agriculture Handbook No. 541. U.S. Forest Service, Washington, D.C. 375 pp.
  4. Pennington, T. D. 1981. Flora Neotropica: Monograph No. 28. Meliaceae. Organization for Flora Neotropica: New York Botanical Garden, New York. 470p.
  5. Santos, Eurico. 1987. Nossas Madeiras. Chapter IV. Editora Itatiaia Limitada, Brazil.