Melia azedarach Bead tree (Meliaceae) Deciduous tree

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Melia azedarach
Bead tree
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Melia azedarach plant species is found in E. Asia - N. India to China. Naturalized in the Mediterranean. It is a member of the Meliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Bead tree. Some home gardeners know the variety as M. japonica.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Melia azedarach
Common Name:  Bead tree
Family:  Meliaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The fruit is somewhat poisonous[2, 4, 89]. Ripe fruits are more toxic than green ones[218].

Mature Height:  9   Mature Width:  9

Habitat:  Moist sunny locations[152] to 2700 metres in the Himalayas[51].

Medicinal Information: Used externally in the treatmant of rheumatism[4, 152]. An aqueous extract reduces the intensity of asthmatic attacks[240]. (This report does not specify the part of the plant that is used[K].) The leaf juice is anthelmintic, antilithic, diuretic and emmenagogue[218, 240]. A decoction is astringent and stomachic[218]. The leaves are harvested during the growing season and can be used fresh or dried[238]. The flowers and leaves are applied as a poultice in the treatment of neuralgia and nervous headache[218, 240]. The stembark is anthelmintic, astringent and bitter tonic[21, 176, 218]. It is used as a tonic in India[21]. It can be harvested at any time of the year and is used fresh or dried[238]. The fruit is antiseptic and febrifuge[218]. The pulp is used as a vermifuge[227]. The fruit is harvested in the autumn when it is fully ripe and can be used fresh or dried[238]. The seed is antirheumatic[218, 240]. It is used externally. The rootbark is emetic, emmenagogue, purgative and vermifuge[21, 176, 218]. It is highly effective against ringworm and other parasitic skin diseases[218]. It can be harvested at any time of the year and is used fresh or dried[238]. A gum that exudes from the tree is considered by some to have aphrodisiac properties[21]. This plant should be used with caution, preferably under the supervision of a qualifed practitioner[238]. Excess causes diarrhoea, vomiting and symptons of narcotic poisoning[238].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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