Chinaberry
A tree common in Mediterranean towns, with fragrant lilac panicles in April-May giving moderate nectar and pollen. The fruits are poisonous; no problems are known for the honey.
- Nectar
- Medium
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 8-15 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Chinaberry is native to South and East Asia and northern Australia and is widely planted as a shade and ornamental tree in warm climates; in Turkey it is common in towns in the Mediterranean, Aegean and south-eastern regions. Its lilac-coloured, strongly scented flower clusters are visited by bees; nectar and pollen are moderate.
Flowering
It flowers for about three weeks from late April into May, together with leaf-out.
Honey and pollen
It does not yield a separate honey; its contribution goes into mixed spring honey.
Note for the beekeeper
Its yellow, bead-like fruits are poisonous to people and many mammals; care is needed where children are around. No widespread reports of toxicity are known for its nectar or honey. In some regions, such as South Africa and the southern United States, it has spread as an invasive; in Turkey its spread outside towns is limited. It is very tolerant of drought and heat.