Melia Azedarach The Chinaberry, Persian lilac 50 seeds

Also known as: The Chinaberry, Persian lilac, and the Pride-of-India.

A fast-growing tree, with a rounded crown that reaches about 50 ft tall with a 20 ft spread. In spring and early summer, Chinaberry produces masses of lavender, very fragrant, star shaped flowers, each about 3/4" in diameter, that arch or droop in 8" panicles. They are followed by clusters of spherical, yellow fruits that are about 3/4". Native originally to northern India, China and the Himalayas. Chinaberry is planted widely in warm climates as an ornamental and shade tree. Grows well in partial shade to full sun and can tolerate drought. Grows in USDA zones 7-10 and can handle light frost. All parts of Chinaberry tree are poisonous so just be careful.

The shiny, hard seeds are used as beads and for rosaries. Extracts from the bark and fruit have pharmacological properties and are used in China to kill parasitic roundworms.

These seeds may need a further period of stratification to break their dormancy. Soak for 24 hours then place them in a sealed freezer bag in the fridge keeping them moist for a week or two. The seeds can then be sown and should germinate normally in a safe, bright, cold place outdoors, but can take up to 6 months or even longer so do not discard the seed pot. Alternatively sow the seed in a moist seed tray and leave outside over the winter to allow for natural stratification to occur.