Melia azedarach -- Nevada

Evaluation Summary

photo by Forest and Kim Starr

Evaluation Date: 2022-09-19

Screener: Jake Dick

Plant: Melia azedarach

Common Name(s):

Chinaberry tree, Pride of India, bead-tree, Cape-lilac, White Cedar

State: Nevada

PRE Score: 16

Questions Answered: 20

Screener Confidence (%): 62

Executive Summary

Melia azedarach is reported to be a moderate potential risk for Nevada. It's not excepted to naturalize in the northern cool desert climates but does appear to have naturalized in the southern warm desert climate. The species is noted as invasive due to the species adaptive nature, ability to outcompete desirable species and lack of natural predators. The fruit of this species has been reported as toxic to humans, livestock and some wildlife species. It's ability to resprout from root sucker can make it difficult to control. It is interesting to note that the species has been recommended for highway planting in Nevada (FEIS). After the completion of this evaluation I would call that recommendation into question and suggest other species to be used instead.

Climate Matching Map

Climate Matching Map PDF

Attachment	Size
ClimateMatch_NV_Melia_azedarach.pdf (1.34 MB)	1.34 MB

1. Question 1

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Very High

Answer / Justification

Melia azedarach has been reported as naturalized in many areas outside of it's native habitat including North America (Mexico and United States).

Reference(s)

“Melia Azedarach L. GRIN-Global”. n.d. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=23936.

Rojas-Sandoval, Julissa. 2022. “CABI - Invasive Species Compendium - Melia Azedarach (Chinaberry)”. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/33144$\#$tosummaryOfInvasiveness.

2. Question 2

Yes or No

Yes

Points

2

Confidence

Low

Answer / Justification

Reports in EDDMapS and Digitalized herbariums show that the species has Naturalized In climates matching the region of Concern, Nevada. Reports on iNaturalist show that the species has only been report in Southern Nevada’s warm desert region. Only 3 of these reports show that the species may have naturalized to the area. The majority of the reports appear to be ornamental. In USA M. azedarach has established along roadsides, fences, floodplain woodlands, marshes and upland woods. (Langeland and Burks, 1998). It’s very possible that the species may naturalize in southern Nevada but there is no evidence of the species ability to naturalize in colder desert climates.

Reference(s)

Rojas-Sandoval, Julissa. 2022. “CABI - Invasive Species Compendium - Melia Azedarach (Chinaberry)”. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/33144$\#$tosummaryOfInvasiveness.

“Melia Azedarach L. GRIN-Global”. n.d. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=23936.

3. Question 3

Yes or No

Yes

Points

2

Confidence

High

Answer / Justification

Melia azedarach is reported as invasive in Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Tennessee and Virginia. It is not considered invasive in all states where it occurs (FEIS). The rapid growth, early maturity and lack of natural predators can allow the species to outcompete more desirable species. It’s ability to resprout from stems and suckers can make it difficult to control. Invasiveness of this species is tied to its adaptive nature and ability to outcompete desirable species. Negative impacts include agriculture production, human and animal health and reduction in biodiversity. (CABI)

Reference(s)

Rojas-Sandoval, Julissa. 2022. “CABI - Invasive Species Compendium - Melia Azedarach (Chinaberry)”. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/33144$\#$tosummaryOfInvasiveness.

“Texas Invasives”. 2017. http://www.texasinvasives.org/plant_database/detail.php?symbol=MEAZ.

“New BFS Plant \textendash Melia Azedarach (Chinaberry) \guillemotleft News from the Bernard Field Station”. n.d. https://research.pomona.edu/bfs/2012/11/05/new-bfs-plant-melia-azedarach-chinaberry/.

Waggy, Melissa A. 2009. “Melia Azedarach. In Fire Effects Information System”. Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/melaze/all.html.

4. Question 4

Yes or No

No

Points

0

Confidence

Low

Answer / Justification

The species is not noted as invasive in climates similar to Nevada’s. There are a few iNataurlist reports that suggest the species has naturalized in the southern portion of the state’s warm desert climate. The species may not be able to withstand freezing temperatures of the state’s cool desert climate. The species is reported to withstand winter temperatures of 5 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (FEIS).

Reference(s)

Waggy, Melissa A. 2009. “Melia Azedarach. In Fire Effects Information System”. Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/melaze/all.html.

5. Question 5

Yes or No

No

Points

0

Confidence

Very Low

Answer / Justification

The Global Compendium of Weeds does not list any other species in the genus Melia that are invasive (Randall 2017).

Reference(s)

Randall, R. P. 2017. “A Global Compendium of Weeds. Third Edition”. Dept. of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313645439_A_Global_Compendium_of_Weeds_Third_Edition.

6. Question 6

Yes or No

No

Points

0

Confidence

Medium

Answer / Justification

Based on the Climate Match map, the species is not found predominately in climates matching the region of concern (Nevada). The species does occur (< 50%) in climates matching southern Nevada warm desert climate. (South West Asia and Middle East, South Africa) and has been reported to occur in surrounding states (CA, UT, AZ).

Reference(s)

No references cited.

7. Question 7

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Medium

Answer / Justification

The plant is reported to have componds that increase pH and nitrogen content in the soil in the leaves and roots of the plant which inhibit the germination and growth of other plant species. The plant can form dense thickets and quickly shade out non-shade tolerant species.

Reference(s)

“New BFS Plant \textendash Melia Azedarach (Chinaberry) \guillemotleft News from the Bernard Field Station”. n.d. https://research.pomona.edu/bfs/2012/11/05/new-bfs-plant-melia-azedarach-chinaberry/.

8. Question 8

Yes or No

No

Points

0

Confidence

Medium

Answer / Justification

Not enough evidence.

Reference(s)

Waggy, Melissa A. 2009. “Melia Azedarach. In Fire Effects Information System”. Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/melaze/all.html.

9. Question 9

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

High

Answer / Justification

The fruit is reported poisonous to humans and other mammals including livestock.

Reference(s)

No references cited.

10. Question 10

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Medium

Answer / Justification

The species is is reported to grow in dense thickets that crowd out native vegetation. The woody nature of the species and it's ability to sprout from stumps and roots suggest that is able to from clumps of vegetation that would impede the movement of humans and animals.

Reference(s)

“New BFS Plant \textendash Melia Azedarach (Chinaberry) \guillemotleft News from the Bernard Field Station”. n.d. https://research.pomona.edu/bfs/2012/11/05/new-bfs-plant-melia-azedarach-chinaberry/.

“Melia Azedarach - Bugwoodwiki”. n.d. https://wiki.bugwood.org/Melia_azedarach.

11. Question 11

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Very High

Answer / Justification

Vegetatively reproduces by forming root suckers.

Reference(s)

Rojas-Sandoval, Julissa. 2022. “CABI - Invasive Species Compendium - Melia Azedarach (Chinaberry)”. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/33144$\#$tosummaryOfInvasiveness.

12. Question 12

Yes or No

No

Points

0

Confidence

Low

Answer / Justification

The plant is able to reproduce vegetatively through root suckers but no sources of information mentioned that it was common for detached fragments to form new plants. The ability to resprout from suckers does make it more difficult to control the plan mechanically.

Reference(s)

Tourn, G. M., M. F. Menvielle, A. L. Scopel, and B. Pidal. 2000. “Clonal Strategies of a Woody Weed: Melia Azedarach”. In , edited by A. Stokes, 137-43. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands. doi:10.1007/978-94-017-3469-1_13.

13. Question 13

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Very High

Answer / Justification

The species is reported to be a prolific seed producer.

Reference(s)

Bonner, Franklin T., and Robert P. Karrfalt. 2008. “The Woody Plant Seed Manual”. Agriculture Handbook 727. US Forest Service. https://www.fs.usda.gov/nsl/nsl_wpsm.html.

Rojas-Sandoval, Julissa. 2022. “CABI - Invasive Species Compendium - Melia Azedarach (Chinaberry)”. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/33144$\#$tosummaryOfInvasiveness.

“Melia Azedarach - Bugwoodwiki”. n.d. https://wiki.bugwood.org/Melia_azedarach.

14. Question 14

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Medium

Answer / Justification

Plant is reported to be a prolific seed producer. No exact numbers were found in researched information but verified images show plants with 1,000 + drupes, each of which contains 4-6 seeds.

Reference(s)

Bonner, Franklin T., and Robert P. Karrfalt. 2008. “The Woody Plant Seed Manual”. Agriculture Handbook 727. US Forest Service. https://www.fs.usda.gov/nsl/nsl_wpsm.html.

Rojas-Sandoval, Julissa. 2022. “CABI - Invasive Species Compendium - Melia Azedarach (Chinaberry)”. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/33144$\#$tosummaryOfInvasiveness.

15. Question 15

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Medium

Answer / Justification

Melia azedarach seeds have high dormancy, but a study comparing different dormancy-breaking techniques still found the the control group had 39% germination (Azad et al., 2010). Seeds can remain viable for prolonged periods. Up to at least 26 months (https://wiki.bugwood.org/Melia_azedarach).

Reference(s)

No references cited.

16. Question 16

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Medium

Answer / Justification

The PIER describes Melia azedarach as a tree that matures quickly, within four years of germination (PIER 2014).

Reference(s)

“Melia Azedarach: Info from PIER (PIER Species Info)”. 2004. http://hear.its.hawaii.edu/pier/species/melia_azedarach.htm.

17. Question 17

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

High

Answer / Justification

Yes, Chinaberry is a prolific seed producer (Melia Azedarach, n.d.) and usually produces fruits from March to August (Australian National Botanic Gardens, n.d.).

Reference(s)

Food, USDA National Institute of, , and US Forest Service. n.d. “Melia Azedarach”. https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/tree/melaze/all.html$\#$Seed\%20production.

Gardens, Australian National Botanic, and Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research. n.d. “Melia Azedarach - Growing Native Plants”. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2008/melia-azedarach.html$\#$:~:text=It\%20is\%20a\%20deciduous\%20shade,average\%20lifespan\%20around\%2020\%20years.

18. Question 18

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

High

Answer / Justification

This species is reported to be a prolific producer of seeds which are dispersed by avian vectors (CABI). Chinaberry tree seed is dispersed by animals, gravity and possibly water (FEIS). Birds and bats foraging on fruits drop and disperse the seeds (Voigt).

Reference(s)

Rojas-Sandoval, Julissa. 2022. “CABI - Invasive Species Compendium - Melia Azedarach (Chinaberry)”. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/33144$\#$tosummaryOfInvasiveness.

Waggy, Melissa A. 2009. “Fire Effects Information System - Melia Azedarach”. https://www.firescience.gov/projects/08-1-2-04/project/08-1-2-04_melaze.pdf.

“Interactions Between the Invasive Tree Melia Azedarach (Meliaceae) and Native Frugivores in South Africa”. n.d.

19. Question 19

Yes or No

Yes

Points

1

Confidence

Low

Answer / Justification

Chinaberry tree seed is dispersed by animals (SID), gravity and possibly water (FEIS).

Reference(s)

Waggy, Melissa A. 2009. “Melia Azedarach. In Fire Effects Information System”. Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/melaze/all.html.

“Seed Information Database”. n.d.

20. Question 20

Yes or No

No

Points

0

Confidence

Very Low

Answer / Justification

The structure of the fruiting body and seed doesn't suggest that it would become easily attached to equipment, clothing or shoes. In Hawaii there are no reported natural dispersal agents and the seed may be dispersed by humans but there is no evidence that this is common (FEIS).

Reference(s)

Waggy, Melissa A. 2009. “Melia Azedarach. In Fire Effects Information System”. Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/melaze/all.html.

Total PRE Score

PRE Score

16

Questions Answered

20

Screener Confidence (%)

62

PRE Score Legend

The PRE Score is calculated by adding the point totals for each (answered) question.

< 13 : Low Potential Risk
13 - 15 : Moderate Potential Risk
> 15 : High Potential Risk

Questions Answered Legend

It is important to answer at least 16 questions to consider a PRE Score as "valid".

≥ 16 : Valid (80% or more questions answered)
≤ 15 : Invalid (not enough questions answered)

Evaluation Credits and Citation

Screener: Jake Dick

Below is a recommend citation when referencing this evaluation in other works:

Dick, Jake. "Melia azedarach -- Nevada" Plant Risk Evaluator (PRE) published 2022-09-19 https://pretool.org/evaluations/1792

Please cite this evaluation. We need your support here!

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Evaluation Reviewers

	Alex Simmons	reviewed on 2023-03-10
	Jutta Burger	reviewed on 2022-11-14
	Lynn Sweet	reviewed on 2022-11-14

Associated Project

2022 Western IPM Grant Project

"Expanding Continuity and Capacity in Invasive Plant Risk Assessments across Western States" is a continuation of the successful 2021 project titled "Building Continuity Across State Invasvie Plant Lists: Evaluating Invasive Risk of Horticultural Plants." Both 2021 and 2022's projects are funded by the Western Integrated Pest Management Center. Project partners for this year inclue the California Invasive Plant Council, PlantRight, The University of Arizona, Western Invasive Species Network, Pacific Northwest Invasive Species Council, the Yurok Tribe, and Nevada State Parks.

Melia azedarach -- Nevada

Evaluation Summary

Executive Summary

Climate Matching Map

1. Question 1

2. Question 2

3. Question 3

4. Question 4

5. Question 5

6. Question 6

7. Question 7

8. Question 8

9. Question 9

10. Question 10

11. Question 11

12. Question 12

13. Question 13

14. Question 14

15. Question 15

16. Question 16

17. Question 17

18. Question 18

19. Question 19

20. Question 20

Total PRE Score

PRE Score Legend

Questions Answered Legend

Evaluation Credits and Citation

Please cite this evaluation. We need your support here!

Evaluation Reviewers

Associated Project

2022 Western IPM Grant Project

Associated Organizations, Agencies, and Institutions