Melia

New Zealand’s Best Melia Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of White Cedar trees and the right one for your space. Our trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Melia, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Melia

1. How tall does a Melia tree get?

Melia trees can grow to be 6-15 m tall, depending on the species and growing conditions. Some Melia trees have been known to grow even taller, up to 20 m. Melia are fast-growing and can reach their full height within 10-15 years. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, but they can be grown in temperate climates as well.

2. What is the common name of Melia tree?

The most common name of the Melia tree is Chinaberry. It is also known by many other common names, including:

• Persian lilac
• Bead tree
• Cape lilac
• Syringa berrytree
• Indian lilac
• White cedar
• Pride of India
• Texas umbrella tree
• Paradise tree

3. Where is Melia native to?

Melia is native to Indomalaya and Australasia, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North and South America, Africa, and Europe. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of up to 30 m. It has a dense canopy of leaves and produces clusters of fragrant, lilac-colored flowers in the spring. The tree also produces yellow fruit that resemble berries.

4. What is the Melia tree used for?

Melia, or Chinaberry as it is commonly known, is a popular ornamental tree in many parts of the world. It is also used for timber and firewood.

5. Is Melia azedarach the neem tree?

Melia azedarach and Azadirachta indica, the neem tree, are both members of the Meliaceae family. They are similar in many ways, but there are some key differences.

• Leaves: Melia azedarach has twice-compound leaves, while Azadirachta indica has pinnate leaves.
• Flowers: Melia azedarach has pink to lilac flowers, while Azadirachta indica has white flowers.
• Fruit: Melia azedarach has yellow fruit, while Azadirachta indica has green fruit.
• Active compounds: Melia azedarach contains meliacarpins, while Azadirachta indica contains azadirachtins.

Meliacarpins and azadirachtins are both natural compounds that have insecticidal and pesticidal properties. However, azadirachtins are generally considered to be more effective.

6. Is Melia azedarach poisonous to humans?

Melia azedarach, also known as Chinaberry, is poisonous to humans. All parts of the tree are considered to be poisonous, including the leaves, flowers, fruit, and seeds. The most toxic part of the tree is the seeds.

The toxins in Melia azedarach can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Seizures
• Coma

If you have ingested any part of the Melia azedarach tree, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

7. What is the lifespan of a Melia tree?

The lifespan of a Melia tree, also known as Chinaberry, is typically around 20 years. However, some trees have been known to live for up to 100 years.