Melia azedarach - Flora of Qatar

Antelaea javanica, Azedaraca amena, Azedarach commelini, Azedarach deleteria, Azedarach odoratum, Azedarach sempervirens, Azedarach vulgaris, Azedara speciosa, Melia angustifolia, Melia argentea, Melia arguta, Melia australasica, Melia australis, Melia birmanica, Melia bogoriensis, Melia bukayun, Melia candollei, Melia chinensis, Melia cochinchinensis, Melia commelini, Melia composita, Melia dubia, Melia flaccida, Melia florida, Melia guineensis, Melia hasskarlii, Melia japonica, Melia javanica, Melia orientalis, Melia robusta, Melia sambucina, Melia sempervirens, Melia superba, Melia toosendan

Common names

Extract from Wikipedia article

Melia azedarach, commonly known by many names, including white cedar, chinaberry tree, bead-tree, Cape lilac, syringa berrytree, Persian lilac, and Indian lilac, is a species of deciduous tree in the mahogany family, Meliaceae, that is native to Indomalaya and Australasia.[+]

The adult tree has a rounded crown, and commonly measures 7–12 metres (20–40 ft) tall, however in exceptional circumstances M. azedarach can attain a height of 45 metres (150 ft). The flowers are small and fragrant, with five pale purple or lilac petals, growing in clusters. The fruit is a drupe, marble-sized, light yellow at maturity, hanging on the tree all winter, and gradually becoming wrinkled and almost white.

The leaves are up to 50 centimetres (20 in) long, alternate, long-petioled, two or three times compound (odd-pinnate); the leaflets are dark green above and lighter green below, with serrate margins.

AI-generated Description

Melia azedarach, also known as the Chinaberry tree, is a deciduous tree native to Asia. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and is commonly found in urban areas, including parks and gardens. Studies have shown that Melia azedarach has been used for ornamental purposes in Qatari landscapes due to its attractive flowers and shade-providing canopy. However, its invasive potential and allelopathic effects on native vegetation have raised concerns about its impact on local ecosystems. Despite this, the tree remains a popular choice for landscaping in Qatar, highlighting the need for further research on its ecological implications in the region.

AI-generated summary of observations

Observations of Melia azedarach in Qatar show that the plant is able to thrive in urban environments. On Al Istiqlal Street in West Bay, a Chinaberry tree was seen on April 22, 2014, indicating its ability to grow in areas with high human activity. Similarly, in Dahl Al Hamam Park at Al Markhiya Street, another Chinaberry tree was observed on March 21, 2016, suggesting that the plant can adapt to park landscapes. These sightings demonstrate that Melia azedarach is tolerant of various environmental conditions and can be found in different types of urban settings in Qatar. The plant's presence in both street and park environments highlights its hardiness and ability to coexist with human development. Its growth in these areas may also provide shade and aesthetic value, contributing to the overall urban ecosystem.

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How the web page was created

Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.

Melia azedarach L.

Synonyms