Melia

The genus Ash, or Melia, includes about 10 species of deciduous or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs; for decorative purposes, only one is grown - the so-called Chinese berry, or Melia azedarach (Melia azedarach). This deciduous tree, which grows up to 15 m in height in nature with a spreading crown, is valued for its ornamental foliage and beautiful fragrant flowers (essential oil of flowers is used in perfumery). The trunk is straight, covered with brownish-green rough pubescent bark. The leaves are large, doubly or thrice pinnate, very long (up to 90 cm), consisting of 5-7 ovate-lanceolate leaves. scalloped leaves. Collected in axillary inflorescences-panicles, small fragrant flowers are purple-lilac (very rarely white), with 10 stamens growing together in a tube around the stigma of the pistil. They bloom in May-June on young shoots, later rounded yellow fruits (drupes) are formed. Solid seeds are used in necklaces and rosaries. For this reason, melia is often called the rosary tree. The poisonous fleshy part of the fruit has an unpleasant smell, especially when ripe. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The umbrella-shaped variety is characterized by drooping branches of a very dense crown, which gives the plant the shape of an umbrella. Deciduous 'Australasian' grows to a height of 10 m. It has fragrant lilac flowers, yellow fruits are formed in their place.

The genus Ash, or Melia, includes about 10 species of deciduous or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs; for decorative purposes, only one is grown - the so-called Chinese berry, or Melia azedarach (Melia azedarach). This deciduous tree, which grows up to 15 m in height in nature with a spreading crown, is valued for its ornamental foliage and beautiful fragrant flowers (essential oil of flowers is used in perfumery). The trunk is straight, covered with brownish-green rough pubescent bark. The leaves are large, doubly or thrice pinnate, very long (up to 90 cm), consisting of 5-7 ovate-lanceolate leaves. scalloped leaves. Collected in axillary inflorescences-panicles, small fragrant flowers are purple-lilac (very rarely white), with 10 stamens growing together in a tube around the stigma of the pistil. They bloom in May-June on young shoots, later rounded yellow fruits (drupes) are formed. Solid seeds are used in necklaces and rosaries. For this reason, melia is often called the rosary tree. The poisonous fleshy part of the fruit has an unpleasant smell, especially when ripe. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

The umbrella-shaped variety is characterized by drooping branches of a very dense crown, which gives the plant the shape of an umbrella. Deciduous 'Australasian' grows to a height of 10 m. It has fragrant lilac flowers, yellow fruits are formed in their place.

Cultivation

Melia is used as an ornamental plant in areas of mild and temperate climate in gardens in single and group plantings. It is undemanding to growing conditions, not susceptible to diseases and pest attacks. Plant in spring, any soil is suitable, preferably loose, well-drained, slightly acidic. The landing site should be protected from the wind, because melia has fragile, easily broken branches. Pruning is only required to remove damaged branches.

Location

Prefers a place in the open sun, but also grows well in partial shade.

Temperature

This plant is very thermophilic, easily tolerates high air temperature.

Watering

Constant watering is not required. It is recommended to water only in very dry periods, and you need to carefully monitor that water does not stagnate in the soil.

Reproduction

In summer, half-lignified cuttings are taken and planted in a mixture of peat and sand; in winter, they are stored in a closed, unheated room. After rooting, they are transplanted into pots one at a time, and after 2 years in the spring they are planted in a permanent place. The plant has good seed germination, so it is also propagated by sowing seeds in spring in a special soil. Grown seedlings are transplanted one at a time, and after 2 years in the spring they are finally planted.

Acquisition

Plants of the genus Melia are not easy to find, this can only be done in the best gardening centers and nurseries specializing in rare plants. Choose well-formed small seedlings, they are easier to plant in a permanent place in the ground.

Very similar genus Azadirachta indica is a tree that can be confused with the Chinese berry. Both species belong to the Meliaceae family; they have white star-shaped flowers and yellow fruits. But the leaves of azadirachta indic are less dissected, and the flowers have bright brown pistils.

Very similar genus

Azadirachta indica is a tree that can be confused with the Chinese berry. Both species belong to the Meliaceae family; they have white star-shaped flowers and yellow fruits. But the leaves of azadirachta indic are less dissected, and the flowers have bright brown pistils.