Persian Lilac

Persian Lilac

There are three to five species of deciduous and semi-evergreen trees and shrubs in this genus, which occurs in Eurasia, Tropical Africa, and Australia. Melia azedarach is widely grown for reforestation and as a street tree in warm parts of the world. It is fast growing and drought-tolerant, with ornamental foliage, scented flowers and abundant golden fruits, which are poisonous but used as beads in Asia. In parts of the S USA it has become naturalized and weedy. As a medicinal herb, it was first described in Chinese medicine in CE1082. Melia azedarach is closely related to the more tender. Azadirachta indica (See, Neem), and the two are often confused.

Fast-growing, deciduous tree with gray bark, and pinnate or twice pinnate leaves, to 80cm (32in) long, divided into ovate to elliptic, pointed leaflets which have toothed or lobed margins. Fragrant lilac flowers, 2cm (¾in) across, are borne in loose panicles in summer, followed by broadly ovoid, yellow fruits, 1cm (3/8in) long.

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Common Name:	Persian Lilac
Other Names:	Chinaberry, Bead Tree
Botanical Name:	Melia azedarach
Genus:	Melia
Family:	Meliaceae
Location:	N India and China
Cultivation:	Well-drained to dry soil in sun. Tolerates very dry, coastal sites in warm areas.
Propagation:	By seed sown at 13-18°C (55-64°F) in spring; softwood cuttings in summer.
Harvest:	Leaves are collected during the growing season, bark and root bark at any time, and fruits in autumn; all parts are used fresh or dried in decoctions, ointments, and pills.
Height:	12-15m (40-50ft)
:Width	12m (40ft)
Variations:	Umbraculifera Is a multistemmed, umbrella-like tree, less hardy than the species. It comes true from seed and is weedy in some areas. Width: 12m (40ft)
Hardiness:	Z7-10
Parts Used:	Leaves, bark, root bark, fruits.
Properties:	A bitter, irritant herb that has anti-parasitic and anti-fungal effects.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for intestinal worms and candidiasis. Usually combined with Glycyrrhiza glaba (See, Licorice to reduce toxicity for internal use. Externally for vaginal infections and skin diseases.
Warning:	Excess causes diarrhea, vomiting, and symptoms of narcotic poisoning. For use by qualified practitioners only.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 274.