It was brought to the United States as an ornamental tree either in the late s or the mids. It then became a popular ornamental shade tree in southern states for over years. It was introduced into Hawaii in Regrettably, it is still sold in nurseries.
Most invasive in riparian zones or disturbed sites. Also, is often present around rural home sites. List of all Texas observations by Citizen Scientists here. Chinaberry resembles the Western soapberry Sapindus saponaria var. Also, Chinaberry resembles the Common elderberry tree Sambuscus canadensis but that tree is distinguished by its white flowers and dark purple berries. Since this tree has the ability to send roots from underground storage organs it is very hard to control this tree by mechanical means. Thankfully, this tree is able to be effectively controlled by any readily available herbicides.
The herbicides can be applied to the base of the truck or on the stump after the tree has been cut. Foliar treatment is not ideal ore recommended because high volumes of solution are required. Chinaberry poisoning in two dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 11 , A Monograph of Melia in Asia and the Pacific: The history of White Cedar and Persian Lilac.
The Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 37 1: Texas Invasive Species Institute. Description Chinaberry, Melia azedarach , is a fast-growing deciduous tree that reaches 30 to 50 feet tall and has a canopy that is usually 20 feet in diameter. Ecological Threat These trees grow rapidly from several root sprouts and they create dense thickets where native plant species get crowded out.
Biology Melia azedarach is able to reproduce and spread both by seeds and vegetative pathways.
History It was brought to the United States as an ornamental tree either in the late s or the mids. Management Since this tree has the ability to send roots from underground storage organs it is very hard to control this tree by mechanical means. References References Everitt, J.
The Chinaberry tree Melia azedarach is known by many names and is part of the mahogany Meliaceae family, native to Australasia and Indomalaya. A mature tree normally grows up to 40 feet, but has been known to grow as high as feet. It has dark green leaves, about 20 inches long and clusters of sweet smelling light purple flowers.
They grow light yellow marble sized fruit that gradually become white and wrinkly in the wintertime. The most toxic part of the tree is the ripe fruit. One of the main problems of the Chinaberry tree is that birds will eat the seeds and disperse them in other places in their droppings, creating more toxic Chinaberry trees elsewhere.
Although many birds are able to eat Chinaberry tree fruit without side effects, some have been reported to become paralyzed after consumption. Chinaberry tree poisoning is a dangerous condition in horses and can be fatal if not treated right away.
The berries are the most toxic, but the rest of the tree is poisonous as well. In fact, these berries have enough poison to cause side effects if your horse consumes just 0. There have been cases of fatalities from the ingestion of just 8 to 10 berries. The toxins in the Chinaberry tree include margosine, tetranortriterpenes meliatoxins , and tannic acid. Some of the side effects of Chinaberry tree poisoning include depression, colic, seizures, and death.
The symptoms of Chinaberry tree poisoning depend on how much and which part was eaten. However, the most common signs include:. The Chinaberry tree Melia azedarach is part of the Meliaceae family and is known by many names. Some of the most common include:. If you think your horse has eaten any part of a Chinaberry tree, it is essential that you call your veterinarian right away. Also, let the veterinarian know if you have given your horse any medications. To begin with, a complete physical assessment will be done including a lameness examination, body condition score, vital signs, and palpation and auscultation of the major body parts and organs.
In addition, a blood chemistry panel, complete blood count, gas chromatography, and packed cell volume will be performed. Because the toxins in the Chinaberry tree affect the heart, an electrocardiogram is needed to assess the electrical and muscular function of the heart. The first thing the veterinarian will want to do is a gastric lavage to clear any poisons from the gastrointestinal tract.
The leaves can be fed to cattle to improve milk yields and improve farm incomes. Some of the side effects of Chinaberry tree poisoning include depression, colic, seizures, and death. Monitor for seedlings and control as needed. The leaves emit a musky odor when crushed. Foliage; Leaf study John M. The toxins are neurotoxins and unidentified resins, found mainly in the fruits. This also helps prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
This is done by inserting a tube through the nasal passages into the stomach and pumping in warm sterile solution to wash away toxins and plant particles.