azedarach

Azedarach is a common name for Melia azedarach, a deciduous tree belonging to the family Meliaceae. It is native to Asia and Australia but has been widely naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The tree is also known by various other common names, including chinaberry, Persian lilac, and Indian lilac.

Melia azedarach is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of up to 15 meters. It has a rounded crown and produces fragrant, lilac-colored flowers in spring, followed by clusters of small, yellowish-white, berry-like fruits. These fruits, while attractive, are poisonous to humans and many animals, containing toxic compounds. The leaves are compound and pinnately divided.

The wood of the azedarach tree is often used for furniture and decorative items, and its aromatic properties have led to its use in traditional medicine and as an insect repellent. However, due to the toxicity of its fruits and seeds, caution is advised in areas where the tree is present, especially with children and pets. It is also considered an invasive species in some regions due to its prolific seeding and ability to establish in disturbed habitats.