Melia (plant)

Melia is a genus of flowering trees in the family Meliaceae, also known as the mahogany family. These trees are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, primarily in Asia and Australia.

Characteristics:

• General: Melia trees are typically medium to large in size, often reaching heights of 15-45 meters (50-150 feet). They are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves seasonally, usually in the late fall or early winter.
• Leaves: The leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, meaning they are made up of multiple leaflets arranged along a central stalk. Leaflets are usually ovate or lanceolate in shape, with serrated or entire margins.
• Flowers: Melia trees produce clusters of fragrant flowers in spring or early summer. These flowers are typically small, with five petals, and can range in color from white to lilac or purple.
• Fruit: The fruit is a drupe, a fleshy fruit with a hard pit containing one or more seeds. Melia fruits are often globose or oval in shape and turn yellow or brown when ripe. The fruit is often poisonous to mammals, including humans, due to the presence of tetranortriterpenoids.
• Bark: The bark is usually greyish-brown and can be smooth or furrowed, depending on the species and age of the tree.

Common Species:

The most well-known species is Melia azedarach, commonly called Chinaberry, Persian Lilac, or Bead-tree. Melia volkensii, also known as Mukau, is a more arid-adapted species native to East Africa and increasingly cultivated for its drought resistance and valuable timber.

Uses:

• Timber: Some Melia species are valued for their timber, which is used in construction, furniture making, and other woodworking applications. Melia volkensii is particularly prized for its termite resistance and durability.
• Medicinal: Various parts of Melia trees have been used in traditional medicine for their purported medicinal properties. However, caution is advised due to the toxicity of certain compounds.
• Ornamental: Melia azedarach is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree for its attractive flowers and foliage. However, its invasiveness in some regions is a concern.
• Pest Control: Extracts from Melia trees, particularly neem (Azadirachta indica, also in the Meliaceae family but a different genus), have insecticidal properties and are used in pest control.

Ecological Importance:

Melia trees play a role in providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. They can also help with soil stabilization and erosion control.

Concerns:

In some regions, particularly where Melia azedarach has been introduced, it has become an invasive species, outcompeting native plants and disrupting ecosystems. Its toxicity to mammals also poses a concern for livestock and human health.