Wood Species Guide
Chinaberry
Melia azedarach
Also called: Chinaberry Tree, Pride of India, Bead Tree, White Cedar (Australia), Persian Lilac, Umbrella Tree
About the name “Chinaberry”
Chinaberry is a mahogany-family tree, not a lilac and not a cedar, even though it is called Persian lilac in some places and white cedar in Australia. Both of those names also belong to other plants. It is closely related to neem but is a different species.
What Chinaberry looks like
Heartwood runs from a light pinkish orange to a reddish brown and darkens with light, looking a lot like a light mahogany. The yellowish sapwood is clearly marked.
Grain and texture
Grain is mostly straight, sometimes interlocked, with large pores, a coarse texture and a nice natural shine.
Working Chinaberry: planing, cutting and gluing
Medium density and mostly straight grain make it easy to saw, plane, sand and glue. The big open pores are the main challenge if you want a glassy finish. It carves and turns well.
Finishing Chinaberry: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Oil gives it a warm mahogany look. For a smooth film finish, fill the grain first. Those large pores will release air into epoxy, so always seal-coat before a pour. The color deepens noticeably with light exposure.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Reports on decay resistance conflict, but the heartwood is usually rated at least moderately durable, with some insect resistance. It is fairly stable once dry. In Florida, acclimate it indoors and finish all faces.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Chinaberry grows wild across Florida and is listed as an invasive, so the wood comes from removals, not forests. It is a pleasant surprise in the shop: mahogany-like color, easy working and a nice ribbon on quartersawn faces. It suits small tables, boxes and carvings. Keep the berries away from kids and pets, because they are poisonous. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Chinaberry
Furniture, cabinetry, carving, veneer, turned objects and boxes.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List. In Florida it is a Category II invasive species on the Florida Invasive Species Council list, so milling removed trees is a good use for them.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Respiratory / asthma
- Nausea or headache
Skin and airway irritation and headaches have been reported from the dust. The berries and leaves are poisonous if eaten, which matters around kids and pets.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask or respirator; gloves for sensitive skin
- Food contact
- Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
The dust has been reported to irritate skin and airways, and some people report headaches. Use dust collection and a mask or respirator. The berries and leaves are poisonous if eaten, so clean up fruit around the logs.
Chinaberry in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Chinaberry listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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