Chinaberry tree confirmed growing wild along a San Antonio roadside
iNaturalist: josephgerland1
Invasive Species
The Chinaberry with clusters of yellow berries and lilac spring flowers may look like a handsome shade tree, but its fruit is toxic to pets and livestock, and its seedlings crowd out native trees along Texas creeks and roadsides.
Someone spotted a Chinaberry tree on Riverside Dr in San Antonio and posted it to iNaturalist, where other users agreed on the ID. Chinaberry was planted widely as a shade tree and now grows on its own across the South. Birds spread its berries, which are poisonous to people, dogs and livestock, so each sighting helps show where it's taking hold.
Key Findings
Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) was recorded on Riverside Dr, San Antonio, Texas.
The observation reached research grade, meaning the community agreed on the identification.
The record adds a data point on the spread of this non-native tree in urban Texas.
chevron_right Technical Summary
A community naturalist documented a Chinaberry tree growing along Riverside Dr in San Antonio, and other iNaturalist users confirmed the ID. The record adds to the map of where this fast-spreading ornamental shows up in Texas cities.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) observed in Riverside Dr, San Antonio, TX, US
Research-grade observation of Chinaberry in Riverside Dr, San Antonio, TX, US.
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Species Mentioned
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Melia azedarach, commonly known as the chinaberry tree, pride of India, bead-tree, Cape lilac, syringa berrytree, Persian lilac, Indian lilac, or white cedar, is a species of deciduous tree in the mahogany family, Meliaceae, that is native to Indomalaya and Australasia.