Melia azedarach Jade Snowflake

Melia azedarach 'Jade Snowflake' is a very pretty variegated form of a deciduous small tree commonly known as the Chinaberry tree, Persian Lilac, or Ceylonese Mahogany. The cultivar 'Jade Snowflake' has pinnate foliage that is light and randomly marbled with different shades of white and green. It also charms with its light and fragrant flowering, reminiscent of lilacs, and its honey-coloured fruits that persist on the branches throughout winter. Unaffected by insects and diseases, it offers two major advantages for gardeners: its extreme robustness, and its undemanding frugality. This plant only has one weakness: it does not tolerate very cold winters.

'Jade Snowflake' is a cultivar that was introduced in the states of Georgia and South Carolina around 1830. The genus Melia, belonging to the Meliaceae family, only comprises one species, Melia azedarach, widely distributed in Asia. It can be found from Iraq to Japan, from southern China to Australia, in East Africa, and in the Mediterranean basin. This species is quite polymorphic depending on its environment. It is native to the southern Himalayas (Baluchistan and Kashmir). It gets its nickname "Chinaberry tree" from the traditional use of its naturally pierced stones. It is also called Ceylonese Mahogany, as it is closely related to other mahoganies (Khaya, Swietenia, Dysoxylum), which are tropical trees highly valued in cabinet-making. Melia azedarach has a lifespan of 200 years. Its growth rate is very rapid, at least during the early years. It is hardy down to approximately -10°C (14°F).

Like many variegated plants, 'Jade Snowflake' has a slightly slower growth rate than the classic form. This small tree has a spreading, rounded canopy. It reaches an average height of 9m (29ft) with a spread of 3m (10ft). Its greyish-brown bark is initially smooth. It fissures longitudinally with age, revealing a yellowish wood, while the young branches are slightly tinged with red. Its root system is extensive, and it can sucker at a distance, similar to the strawberry tree. Its foliage falls in autumn and reappears late in spring, along with the flowering. It consists of long leaves measuring 25 to 45cm (10 to 18in) in length, divided into multiple ovate and pointed leaflets with varying toothed margins. They are randomly variegated with white and green. They are shiny on top, lighter underneath, and turn yellow before falling in autumn. The leaves emit an odour when crushed, which can be unpleasant due to the presence of insecticidal compounds. Flowering occurs in May-June, earlier or later depending on the climate. It takes the form of loose panicles measuring 20 to 25cm (8 to 10in) long, appearing in the axils of the leaves on the current year's branches. These fragrant clusters are made up of small tubular and star-shaped flowers with 5 light lilac petals, about 1.5 to 2cm (1in) wide. The corolla tube is a deeper violet, and the anthers are yellow. This flowering gives way to clusters of round fruits, 1.5cm (1in) in diameter, which are initially acidic-green, before turning honey-yellow when ripe. They persist on the branches long after the leaves have fallen, providing food for birds and bats that disperse the seeds. The hard, oval, ribbed fruit stone has a pierced appearance, like a pearl. It contains 6 locules with 6 seeds that resemble brown rice grains.

'Jade Snowflake' is valuable for bringing some light and lushness to wild areas of the garden, even in dry and poor soil. It discreetly stands out from spring to winter when its fruits still attract attention. It can be planted in a border or an informal hedge with other undemanding shrubs such as the bee tree Tetradium daniellii, the Bohemian Olive, botanical roses, strawberry trees, elderberries, and many others.

Properties, uses:

Cultivated for centuries as a temple tree in Persia, Ceylon, and Malaysia, this ornamental and utilitarian small tree has made its way through the centuries, from the arid regions of the Himalayas to the Mediterranean. It was once cultivated in Italy to make rosary beads from its stones. The oily seeds produce oil traditionally used in soaps, waxes, lubricants, as well as a vermifuge, and for treating certain liver and kidney disorders. Its foliage is used as fodder. This medicinal plant is highly appreciated in Ayurvedic medicine.

The shrub also has quality wood with a fine grain, varying in colour from yellowish-pink to dark red. It is rot-resistant. It is known as "Ceylonese Mahogany" and resembles teak (Tectona grandis).