Melia AZEDARACH

Melia AZEDARACH - Chinaberry tree, Persian lilac, Iranian melia, Indian lilac, Bead tree.

Can be grown in bonsai style!

Melia is the type genus of dicotyledonous flowering plants of the family Meliaceae, represented by three species, two of which are distributed in Africa, and one is native to Asia, but has been introduced to many regions of the world. All three species of the genus are known in Africa. The type species, Melia azedarach, was introduced there, while Melia bambolo grows naturally in West Africa, and the homeland of Melia volkensii is East Africa.

Melia is a large, fast-growing, branched, deciduous tree or shrub. In nature, it reaches 45 m (148 ft) in height. The leaves are arranged alternately, large - up to 40 cm (16 in) long, compound - consisting of several pairs of simple oblong-lanceolate leaflets. Leaf blades are 2-7 cm (0.8-2.8 in) long, with fine serrations along the margin. Inflorescences - large, branched panicles consisting of many small lilac or pink flowers - appear at the branch tips. Each flower has 5 long petals and a very pleasant sweet scent. After flowering, rounded yellow fruits form, which continue to adorn the plant for a long time. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow and fall.

Seeds are soaked in warm water for 2 hours, then sown into a light soil mixture, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light, but not in direct sun at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. Waterlogging and desiccation of the sowings must be avoided.

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Melia is a fast-growing and undemanding plant. It thrives in open sun, but will do better with light shading. It tolerates slight drought. In a pot, Melia can be grown as a miniature tree and tolerates pruning well. The leaves are very attractive, pinnate with serrated edges, and purple fragrant star-shaped flowers cover the plant from spring to early summer. It grows well indoors and makes an excellent addition to your collection. In indoor culture, height is regulated by pruning.

The plant is light-demanding, preferring a sunny location. Heat-loving, resistant to short-term frosts (down to -5 °C (23 °F)). It tolerates temperatures from +5 to 30 °C (41-86 °F). It is drought-tolerant, but moderate watering is necessary for good growth. With intensive watering, the plant is prone to root rot. It can develop at any air humidity.

Well-drained soil is required. It is undemanding regarding the soil mix composition; one can use, for example, a universal substrate for indoor plants or a mixture of neutralized peat and sand (2:1), pH from 6.5 to 7.8. Feeding with flower fertilizers is necessary during the growth period.