Bead Tree
Melia azedarach L.
Melia azedarach, known as Bead Tree, is a deciduous tree in the Meliaceae family, native to Indomalaya and Australasia. It is also referred to as chinaberry tree, pride of India, or Indian lilac. The species was first described in 1753 by Linnaeus. The taxonomic history of the species has been discussed, with Mabberley noting confusion over its geographical origin but concluding that the species diagnosis aligns with the Flora Zeylanica account. The type material for the species has been a subject of debate, with Abdulla's choice of material from Sri Lanka being widely accepted.
Description
Melia azedarach is a tree species in the mahogany family, Meliaceae, and is native to regions including Indomalaya and Australasia. It has a wide distribution and is known by several common names, including Bead Tree, chinaberry tree, and Indian lilac. Linnaeus first described the species in 1753, and its taxonomic history has been the subject of discussion. Mabberley (1984) detailed the history of the species and its cultivars, noting confusion over its origin but affirming the connection to the Flora Zeylanica account. The choice of type material has been debated, with Abdulla's selection from Sri Lanka being accepted by several authors. The species diagnosis remains linked to the Flora Zeylanica, and there are no nomenclatural implications at the species level.
Other common names
ChinaberrytreeCarolina MahoganyChinaberryPersian LilacPride of IndiaWhite CedarPersian-lilacTexas umbrella-treesyringa berrytreetulip-cedarumbrella-cedarwhite-cedarchinaberry-treeSichuan pagoda-treeCape-lilac
Distribution
BR · Cuenca río Lagunilla · Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona · TR · TW · TN · ZA · Rapa Nui - Easter Islands · HR · EG · CU · BN · CK · YE · Belgium · Flemish Region · SX · NU · Yap · Pitcairn Islands · WS · PW · SB · AI · France · The Netherlands · Great Britain · Saint Barthelemy · CY · VC
Synonyms
Melia floridaMelia floribundaMelia flaccidaMelia sempervirensMelia compositaMelia commeliniMelia cochinchinensisMelia chinensisMelia candolleiMelia bukayunMelia bogoriensisMelia bomboloMelia robustaMelia guineensisMelia javanicaMelia japonicaMelia orientalisMelia australisMelia australasicaMelia argutaMelia angustifoliaMelia aethiopicaMelia sambucinaMelia toosendanMelia superbaAzedara speciosaAzedarach commeliniAzedarach deleteriaAzedarach fraxinifoliaAzedarach odoratum
