Photo: Amadej Trnkoczy

Melia azedarach Risk Assessment

Synonyms: Melia australasica, Melia bukayun, Melia composita, Melia japonica, Melia sempervirens, Melia toosendan

Common names: Chinaberry tree, Pride of India, bead-tree, Cape-lilac, syringaberry tree, Persian lilac, Indian lilac, white cedar

Melia azedarach -- California

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Created by: Lauren Quon
Created on: Friday, Jun 24th, 2022
Evaluation Summary
Chinaberry (Melia azedarach L.) is a tree considered native to southeastern Asia and eastern Australia. It is not native to North America, and occurs across the United States and Mexico. Chinaberry has a deciduous habit in North America, typically with a single trunk and rounded crown. It has dark green leaves that are 2 to 3 times compound, and a loose, many-flowered, stalked panicle inflorescence. Chinaberry flowers between late spring and early summer in California and other parts of the world. Plants can grow to 75 feet tall and have a 96 ft canopy spread in the U.S. Chinaberry can tolerate a wide range of climatic and soil conditions. Older trees resist frost. Temperature tolerance may be one factor that allows China berry to occupy a wide range of habitats across the world. Chinaberry was introduced in the U.S. as an ornamental plant, but easily escapes cultivation and invades disturbed areas and wildlands. It occupies a wide range of habitats across the U.S. In Texas and forms dense stands that reduce light for understory plants. In Hawaii, Chinaberry threatens native Hawaiian vegetation communities. In California, Chinaberry has started to invade wildands. In Georgia, Chinaberry is ranked as a Category 1 invasive species because it invades and displaces native plant communities. Although its growth habit and location are variable across different states, its impact remains the same: Chinaberry is a significant threat to native plant communities.
General Evaluation Information
Date of Evaluation: 
June 24, 2022
Evaluation Time (hrs): 
3 Hours
Evaluation Status: 
Completed
Plant Information
Plant: 
Melia azedarach
Plant Material: 
If the plant is a cultivar, and if the cultivar's behavior differs from its parent's (behavior), explain how: 
Various cultivars of Chinaberry have been introduced into North America. These include 'Jade Snowflake' (cv. Floribunda) and 'Umbraculiformis' (cv. Umbraculifera). Both cultivars are morphologically different from the wild type. Melia azedarach 'Jade Snowflake' has variegated leaves and 'Umbraculiformis' is a rounded, deciduous small to medium size tree with an umbrella-like canopy. This evaluation focuses on Melia azedarach at the species level.
Regional Information
Region Name: 
California
Climate Matching Map
These maps were built using a toolkit created in collaboration between GreenInfo Network, PlantRight, Cal-IPC, and Agricultural Sustainability Institute at UC Davis.
PRE Climate Map (external link)
Climate Matching Maps PDF: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon Melia azedarach_Climate Matching_CA_world_12092022.pdf1.36 MB
Invasive History and Climate Matching
1. Has the species (or cultivar or variety, if applicable; applies to subsequent "species" questions) become naturalized where it is not native?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
Very High
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry was introduced as an ornamental to the United States (specifically in South Carolina and Georgia) in 1830. Chinaberry is thought to be native to southeastern Asia and northern Australia (Preston and McClintock 2012, Flora of China). It readily escapes from cultivated areas, expanding into disturbed areas and wildlands in its introduced range (Becking 2021). Chinaberry is naturalized in parts of central and southern Australia, southern Europe, southern and eastern Africa, southern USA, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, tropical southern America, and many Pacific Islands- including Hawaii and Fiji (BioNET-EAFRINET 2011, PIER). Chinaberry is ranked as a high risk (score of 14) invasive plant on the Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) website (http://www.hear.org/pier/species/melia_azedarach.htm). It is also naturalized in California (McClintock and Preston 2012).
Reference(s): 
2. Is the species (or cultivar or variety) noted as being naturalized in the US or world in a similar climate?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
2
Confidence Level: 
Very High
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry is noted as naturalized in California wildlands (Preston and, 2012). It is also noted as being naturalized in Australia and south Africa, which have similar climates to the U.S. (see Climate Matching Map and other website sources). Other than the US, Chinaberry occurs in Mexico, South America, Europe, South Africa, and Australia (according to the Climate Matching Map).
Reference(s): 
3. Is the species (or cultivar or variety) noted as being invasive in the U.S. or world?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
2
Confidence Level: 
Very High
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry is noted as being invasive in the U.S. It is a Category 1 weed in Georgia and is invading wildlands in California. In Georgia, a Category 1 weed is defined as an exotic plant that is a serious problem in natural areas by extensively invading native plant communities and displacing native species. It is also listed as invasive by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council and the Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council. It displaces native vegetation in Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.
Reference(s): 
4. Is the species (or cultivar or variety) noted as being invasive in the US or world in a similar climate?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
3
Confidence Level: 
Medium
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry has not been categorized as invasive yet in California but is broadly naturalized there (Preston and McClintock 2012, Calflora 2023). Chinaberry occurs in along the west coast, from southern to central California (Waggy 2009, Wiggins 1980, Preston and McClintock 2012). It is listed as an invasive species in Texas by the Texas Invasive Species Institute (2014), where climate is similar to California according to the Climate Match tool.
Reference(s): 
5. Are other species of the same genus (or closely related genera) invasive in a similar climate?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
Low
Answer / Justification: 
There are other Melia species that are cultivated for other uses, but there is not enough information about whether these species invade areas with similar climates. There are other species within the same family (Meliacaeae) that are listed as invasive (Guarea genus), but these species are not invasive in similar climates. There is currently not enough information available about whether other species in the genus Melia are also invasive in similar climates.
Reference(s): 
6. Is the species (or cultivar or variety) found predominately in a climate matching the region of concern?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
High
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry is found in climates matching the region of concern; plants occur in areas of similar climates to California, such as Australia, Europe, Mexico, and South Africa (see climate matching map). However, Chinaberry also occurs in a large range of environments that do not match that of California, including eastern North America and southeast Asia.
Reference(s): 
Impact on Native Plants and Animals
7. Does this plant displace native plants and dominate (overtop or smother) the plant community in areas where it has established?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
High
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry tree grows as an overstory tree and readily establishes in sunlight. It invades native plant communities and can establish in early successional stages of communities in disturbed areas. It displaces native vegetation in Hawaii, where it was introduced in 1840.
Reference(s): 
8. Is the plant noted as promoting fire and/or changing fire regimes?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
Low
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry can vigorously regenerate/sprout from roots and stumps after fire, and seeds can germinate and sprout after fire. Prescribed fire is not a recommended control method for Chinaberry infestations. There is not much information on whether Chinaberry changes fire regimes in North America.
Reference(s): 
9. Is the plant a health risk to humans or animals/fish? Has the species been noted as impacting grazing systems?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
High
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry fruit is toxic to humans and animals. The fruits cause gastrointestinal problems in livestock. China berry can invade grasslands and meadows, which may be areas where livestock graze and can be exposed to toxic fruits. Chinaberry can be used for wood, fuel, ornamental decoration, pesticides, and potential medicinal uses.
Reference(s): 
10. Does the plant produce impenetrable thickets, blocking or slowing movement of animals, livestock, or humans?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
Very High
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry can form dense monocultures that impact animal/livestock movement and may cause safety issues on roadsides. It is often described as a "weedy tree" and has many qualities of a successful weed (Waggy 2009, North Caroline State University Extension, accessed 2022). Chinaberry where invasive, can grow in dense stands that outcompete native plant species and prevent regeneration of shrubs and trees (BNET).
Reference(s): 
Reproductive Strategies
11. Does this species (or cultivar or variety) reproduce and spread vegetatively?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
Very High
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry can reproduce (produce seeds) and spread vegetatively to form dense stands restricting/crowding native species growth (BioNET-EAFRINET 2011, Waggy 2009). Trees produced from sprouts may grow faster and reproduce earlier than trees produced from seed (Tourn et al. 1999).
Reference(s): 
12. If naturally detached fragments from this plant are capable of producing new plants, is this a common method of reproduction for the plant?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
Low
Answer / Justification: 
There is no evidence that detached china berry fragments naturally produce new plants. Chinaberry can be propagated from cuttings, root suckers, and adventurous buds. Vegetative reproduction is likely common when plants are damaged at the stumps or roots, not so much from detached fragments in the wild (but probably more common in a nursery setting). Plants spread vegetatively in disturbed areas and wildlands.
Reference(s): 
13. Does the species (or cultivar or variety) commonly produce viable seed?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
High
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry seeds can be viable for at least 1 year kept in dry storage. A PRE evaluation from Georgia and Trees of Southern Africa state that seeds are viable up to 2 years.
Reference(s): 
14. Does this plant produce copious viable seeds each year (> 1000)?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
High
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry is a prolific seeder, producing many panicles with fruits that each contain up to six seeds (Bonner and Karrfalt 2008). Viability is also high: approximately 50% of seeds germinated (50% seed viability rate) in a laboratory setting within 4 weeks (Hong and Ellis 1998).
Reference(s): 
15. Is there significant germination (>25%) of seeds the next growing season, with no requirement of an infrequent environmental condition for seeds to germinate (i.e. fire) or long dormancy period?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
Medium
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry has a short period of dormancy prior to germination, and seeds can be expected to germinate within 3-4 weeks of sowing. In a controlled laboratory setting, approximately 50% of the seeds germinated within 4 weeks (Hong and Ellis 1998). Dormancy may be broken by warm or cold stratification.
Reference(s): 
16. Does this plant produce viable seed within the first three years (for an herbaceous species) to five years (for a woody species) after germination?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
High
Answer / Justification: 
Chinaberry may begin flowering while it is early in its development, thus producing fruit and seed if pollination is successful. There is not much information available on this subject, but trees produced from sprouts can also reproduce earlier than trees produced from seed (Tourn et al. 1999).
Reference(s): 
17. Does this plant continuously produce seed for >3 months each year or does seed production occur more than once a year?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
Medium
Answer / Justification: 
In California, chinaberry flowers between May through July, suggesting that seed production is once per year, but may happen over a long/extended period of time (Preston and McClintock 2012).
Reference(s): 
Dispersal
18. Are the plant’s propagules frequently dispersed long distance (>100 m) by mammals or birds or via domestic animals?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
High
Answer / Justification: 
Propagules can be dispersed by birds and animals. In Texas, seeds are spread widely by birds and water, often far from the parent plant (Reemts 2008, Waggy 2009). Although the fruits are toxic to humans, birds are able to eat the fruit and disperse seed through their droppings, according to the Atlas of Living Australia. In Africa, seeds are dispersed by water and birds.
Reference(s): 
19. Are the plant’s propagules frequently dispersed long distance (>100 m) by wind or water?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
High
Answer / Justification: 
In Texas, seeds are spread widely by water, often far from the parent plant (Reemts 2008, Waggy 2009). Seed dispersal by water may take place during flash flood events. In Africa, seeds are dispersed by water.
Reference(s): 
20. Are the plant’s propagules frequently dispersed via contaminated seed (agriculture or wildflower packets), equipment, vehicles, boats or clothing/shoes?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
Medium
Answer / Justification: 
Although plants and seeds have been consciously introduced by humans (brought over for cultivation in 1830 and dispersed further by humans), there is no evidence that Chinaberry is a seed contaminant of crops or spread significantly via equipment, clothing, or shoes.
Reference(s): 
Evaluation Notes

* Note: Had some difficulty adding references- uploading links were not functioning at the time this evaluation was created and filled out.

Most information was sourced from: Waggy, Melissa, A. 2009. Melia azedarach. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/melaze/all.html [2022, June 19].

A PRE evaluation completed by Lila Uzzell also informs the status of Chinaberrytree (Melia azedarach) in Georgia, U.S.A. Information provided in this evaluation is similar to the information in the PRE evaluation completed for Georgia, with the addition of a few details about seed dispersal and germination.

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May 24 2023 - J. Burger made some revisions to the text and scoring of this PRE based on available literature and reviewer feedback.

 

 

Total PRE Score

  • < 13 : Low Potential Risk
  • 13 - 15 : Moderate Potential Risk
  • > 15 : High Potential Risk

PRE Score: 
18
Number of questions answered: 
20
Screener Confidence (%): 
75.0
PRE Content Access and Privacy
Organization: 
2022 Western PM Grant Project
California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC)
Evaluation visibility: 
Private - accessible only to organization members

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