The final part of my series on the Bishop of Gemmingen’s botanical garden in Eichstätt – Hortus Eystettensis – is dedicated to this tree…
Melia azedarach
For those of you in warmer climes than Bavaria this may be known to you. Often called Bead Tree or Cape Lilac, it is of the Mahogany family and is native to India, South-east Asia, and Australia. It has probably been exported widely as an ornamental garden tree, but I have never seen one at a nursery in Germany. It dislikes cold, dry conditions, and only established trees can survive freezing temperatures. Wikipedia also gives the following common names: Chinaberry, Persian Lilac, White Cedar, Texas Umbrella, Ceylon cedar, and Pride of India. I’d love to hear if anyone knows it or has seen one before. (And are they invasive, as Wikipedia claims?)
The small, star-like, pale lilac flowers smell lovely and were in full bloom at the end of June. The seeds are, however, toxic…
I find the growth as well as the flower of the Melia so attractive, and the delicate fragrance similar to that of elderflower. In fact one of the German common names is “Chinese Elder”.
This was most definitely my favourite plant at the Bastion Garden (Hortus Eystettensis). The small but extensive botanical garden in Eichstätt made a great impression on me, and I will certainly be making another visit next year… if not sooner. 
Hope you enjoyed looking at the garden with me.
Thanks for visiting!
A very interesting tree Cathy. I have never seen this . I wonder if it is invasive in climates that it likes-warm, humid? It definitely would not like it here.
I think it likes subtropical climates best. Wouldn’t like our winters I guess!
Your pictures are great — I can see why you found this tree so appealing. There was a Chinaberry tree at my grandparents house when I was little. I do not remember the flower at all, only the yellow berries that follow. They are considered invasive here in Southeastern United States. Enjoyed reading about this garden.
Thanks pbmgarden! I read that the birds love the berries.
It is a pretty tree. The flower is so delicate. I am not sure what an elder smells like but I know it must be nice.
Elder is absolutely wonderful – sweet and floral, and this was similar but not so intensive.
Hi Cathy: I have enjoyed this tour…I only wish you could send over some of those wonderful floral scents through cyberspace. THAT would be interesting.
With the wonders of technology who knows what will be possible one day!
I love the last picture of the flower! Nice!
Thanks for stopping by, Alex. It’s such a pretty little flower, like pink stars!
Very beautiful!
Thanks Simone!
i think this is what we call the neem tree in india. if it is so, then it is considered a very useful tree. it grows commonly in most parts of india. the saplings spring out easily from the fruits. i have been told of the five different parts of the tree that can be used in different ways for different purpose. the leaves and flowers can be consumed, in fact it is advised to be consumed at the onset of summer to develop immunity. it tastes bitter. the flowers can also be consumed, though not so popularly done. extracts of the leaves are also used in beauty regimes. it is used in face packs and soaps.
the wiki has another entry for the neem tree under azadirachta indica. i wonder if they are the same or different from melia azaderich. it certainly does not seem to be white cedar.
Thanks for your comment. It is, however, definitely not the same tree… this one is POISONOUS! It is very similar to the Neem, and from the same family, but the seeds are TOXIC, unlike Neem. We use Neem oil as pest control in the garden sometimes. And I believe it is good in handcreams etc.