The Tree of Paradise, Cinamomo, Canelo, Lila are the various common names by which the tree of the species is known. melia azedarach, It is a tree of Asian origin and with deciduous leaves, of the Meliaceae family. It has an ornamental use for its flowers, it is violet-blue in color and the foliage of its glass. I invite you to meet him.
Paradise Tree
The species Melia sourach, is commonly known as Tree of Paradise, cinnamon, cinnamon, lilac, holy tree, among others. It is a tree of the Meliaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, it is characterized by having deciduous leaves, that is, it changes at one time of the year, its flowers are aromatic, violet-blue, grouped in a corymbiform inflorescence, which produces drupe-type fruits. .
It is a tree that, due to its foliage, colorful flowers, blue-violet, and its pleasant aroma, have been frequently used in landscaping and planting in parks and residential gardens. They began to introduce it in other countries and continents, such as in South Africa and America in the middle of the XNUMXth century. In nurseries they are cultivated to be used as a medium-sized, leafy tree and an ornamental plant. They use it as a shade tree, serve to plant on islands and parking lots.
Features
This tree adapts to different types of soils, it is resistant to drought, low temperatures and environments with a certain degree of environmental pollution, such as saline soils with few nutrients. However, it does not withstand strong winds. Due to its easy adaptation, when it finds favorable conditions for its growth, such as good temperature, humidity and fertilizers, it grows quite strong and fast, becoming an invasive species that displaces local plant species.
Morphology
It is a medium-sized tree that can reach about 15 meters in height, its stem is straight, short, with an umbelliferous crown, like an umbrella, about 4-8 meters in circumference. In juvenile plants, the bark of its stem is grayish in color and has a smooth texture. As it grows, its bark cracks and changes its color to dark brown.
Its leaves
It has deciduous, compound, opposite, imparipinnate leaves, it has long petioles between 15 and 45 centimeters in length, with oval, acuminate leaflets with a size of 2-5 centimeters, their color is dark green and on the underside it is light green color, the leaflets have serrated edges.
Your flowers
Its flowers grow in an inflorescence in terminal panicles about 20 centimeters long, very aromatic. This tree has small, pentamerous flowers, that is, with 5 purple or lilac petals, with a purple staminal tube with 15-20 fine appendages. Its flowering occurs between the months of April and May.
Fructification
Its fruits grow in leafy clusters and remain on its branches even when the tree has shed all its leaves, they are drupe-type fruits, globose in shape, about 10 to 25 millimeters (mm) in diameter, their color is green and as they mature changes to a yellowish-ochre color. Its endocarp is thick with one seed per locule 1 mm long by 0.3 mm wide.
Phytochemistry
This tree plant of the species Melia sourach presents in its leaves and fruits, according to phytochemical analysis, alkaloid compounds, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes and triterpenes. In its leaves they have found the organic compound of paraisine, hence its common name of paradise tree. In addition, in a phytochemical analysis of its fruits, it has been possible to find the essential oil called azadirin, which has pesticide use.
Also in their fruits they have chemical components such as: glycerides of stearic, linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids, resins, the sesquiterpenoid a-cadinol and the tetra-nortriterpenoid azadirachtin. Also Bakayanic and vanillic organic acids, the alkaloid margosine, the flavonoid quercetin, meliacin and coumarins.
In the chemical analysis of the bark of its trunk, traces of catechol or pyrocatechol have been detected, which are considered antioxidants and are used for this in the chemical industry and also to produce pesticides. While the oil extracted from its seeds has medicinal properties despite its bitter taste.
Botanical Description
The species Melia sourach It was first described by the botanist Carlos Linnaeus who published it in the book Species Plantarum 1: 384-385 of the year 1753.
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Sapindales
- Family: Meliaceae
- Genre: Meliá
- Species: Melia azedarach L., 1753
Your Synonym
The synonymy in botany is when a species has more than one scientific name, this occurs due to differences in criteria between the botanists who have described the plant or outdated information on the specific scientific name, these may be old synonyms or currently used and valid for a particular plant. This species has different synonyms, namely:
- Azedara speciosa Raf.
- Azedarach commelinii Medik.
- Deleteria Medik.
- Fraxinifolia Moench
- Azedarach odoratum Noronha
- Azedarach sempervirens Kuntze
- Melia australis
- melia bukayun royle
- Cochinchinensis M. Roem.
- Commelini Medik. former Steud.
- Melia composite Benth.
- Melia florida Salisb.
- guineensis G. Don
- Japonica G.Don
- Melia orientalis M. Roem.
- Melia sambucina Blume
- Sempervirens sw.
- Toosendan Siebold & Zucc.
Origin of the botanical name
The origin of the botanical name or etymology of the name of this tree Melia sourach is as follows: gender Melia It was placed because of the resemblance of its leaves to those of the ash tree, since the word comes from the ancient Greek that means “frassino”. The specification of the tree species name, azedarach, It has its origin in Persian and is a term used by the Arabs that means “tree that liberates”, due to the expiration of its leaves.
Their different common names
This tree has been propagated in many countries of the world, therefore it is known by many common names, depending on the language spoken by the people who grow it, it places them to differentiate it from other similar trees. In Spain, in the different regions of the Iberian Peninsula, it is known by many names, such as: acederaque, agriaz, agrión, azederach, bolillero, cimnamomo, cinamomo, lilac, Persian lilac, lilo, melia, paradise, rosariera, tree of beads , rosary tree, rosary tree, paradise tree, holy tree.
In America in Latin countries it is also known by different names, for example in Argentina with the name "paradise" and its fruits the Argentines call "venitos". They also call it "paradise" in the Central American country of Nicaragua. On the other hand, in other Latin American countries like Mexico, they say lilac, piocha, pioche, canelo, canelón, cinamón. Likewise, in Venezuela Alelí.
Distribution and habitat
In nature, trees Melia sourach They come from Southeast Asia, distributed among the countries of tropical China, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Vietnam. In nature it grows up to 3000 meters above sea level, due to its ability to adapt it grows in places with soils with acidic pH to places with alkaline and saline soils. They support a wide range of temperature difference.
It has been introduced to countries throughout the Americas from North America to the northernmost region of South America. They are plants propagated in places with a temperate climate around the planet up to a height of 800 meters above sea level. It grows in places near the roads, in fallow land where the acidity of the soil varies from acid to alkaline and slightly saline.
Management and Cultivation
They can be propagated by sexual methods: through seeds and asexually: by cuttings, cuttings and suckers, with a high rate of reproduction. In addition, it is a photophilous species that is resistant to summer droughts and environments with a certain degree of pollution, its high resistance makes it an invasive species, which displaces native plants. What does harm it are strong winds in view of its fragile branches.
Propagation of the Tree of Paradise
When it reproduces by its seeds, no pre-germination treatment is carried out, to prepare for sowing, a fleshy covering is removed from the seed and placed in water for hydration. A few hours moisturizing and then going through an insecticide before planting. Propagation can also be by means of layers, stakes and seedlings collected at the foot of the paradise trees (Melia sourach).
sowing place
It is suggested to plant the paradise or cinnamon trees in places with full sunlight, this will allow them to resist the low temperatures and fortuitous frosts of winter in countries with seasons. It is suggested that the place where it is planted be protected from strong winds, to prevent its branches from breaking.
soil conditions
This tree grows well in different types of soils, be they calcareous or siliceous soils, also having the ability to grow in saline soils. As long as the soil texture is loose, deep with good drainage and good moisture retention, especially during the productive seasons.
Weather conditions
It is a tree that adapts to different environmental conditions. It bears warm temperatures between 10 and 20 °C and warmer temperatures up to 40 °C. It likes sunlight, so it is suggested to sow directly under solar radiation. Medium to low relative humidity, and an average annual rainfall of between 500 millimeters and 1000 millimeters per year. The soil moisture conditions have to be very moist and well drained especially in the flowering and fruiting seasons to obtain a good yield.
Uses of this plant
Due to its leafy crown, high propagation yield and showy flowers, this tree is used to decorate parks and gardens, with the aim of providing shade and freshness on hot days. It is an ideal tree to place under its shade to enjoy a picnic with family and friends. Being a deciduous tree, its shade is enjoyed in the spring and summer seasons. While in countries without seasons in the rainy season.
Even when its fruits are edible, it is not planted for food, it is a tree whose wood has little economic use. The fruits of this tree resemble dates and olives, their color is brownish or ocher yellow and they are edible with a sweet taste. In Europe they are not used to eat but instead in the countries of the East they make alcoholic beverages with them.
Its medium density and good quality wood is used for cabinetmaking in handcrafted pieces. Due to its phytochemical compounds in pharmacology, it is used for the preparation of purgative against intestinal worms. To make repellent against insects, fungi, nematicides and molluscicides, for domestic use and in crops.
From its fruits they extract a compound to prepare an organic biopesticide for pest control in ornamental plants and other commercial crops. As well as to control plague in post harvest, when the grains are stored and to control domestic insects such as moths.
It is a tree that, as the bark of its trunk grows, changes from smooth to rough in appearance, it is very resistant to different climatic conditions, although it is not very tolerant to frost. Due to its chemical components, it is a tree resistant to pests and diseases. It is a long-lived tree that can live between 80 to 100 years.
Its seeds can be easily pierced through the hole at its ends, and they are used to make rosaries. In the Asian continent it is a sacred tree, this is what led it to be propagated to be cultivated in landscaping for parks and gardens. In Spain, its sowing dates back to the XNUMXth century, in Abú Zacaría's book "Book of Andalusian agriculture", he recommended that it be planted near waterwheels and wells so that people and animals could enjoy its shade.
This author in his book pointed out that the wood of its trunk was used to place it in part of buildings that have to be covered with water, such as those that are under river channels. He considered it to be a high-quality wood, with a medium grain density and a color between light brown and dark red. He also indicated that its leaves were used to dye cloth black and to help strengthen hair.
Properties and Contraindications
Its phytochemical compounds promote the reaction of different secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, organic acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins and terpenoids, which allow it to be used as a medicinal plant. To deworm intestinal parasites, homemade infusions are made with the cooking of its leaves. Also with the decoction of its leaves and juvenile branches it is used to treat patients affected by malaria and hepatitis. As an external bath treatment and to make an infusion and drink a cup a day.
Contraindication. However, precautions must be taken in its use and consumption, as it contains components with neurotoxic effects, such as tetra-nortriterpene azadirachtin, which can be fatal if consumed in high quantities. The symptoms of poisoning are: lack of coordination, dizziness, nausea, pulmonary congestion, rigidity, abdominal pain and cardiopulmonary arrest.
Pest control
Paradise trees, cinnamon or wallflower, are sensitive to aphids, so you have to be vigilant when you see the appearance of these insects. Its time of reproduction and development is during the drought, therefore, periodic reviews of the trees have to be carried out. These are very susceptible to this pest, given that trees over 30 years old can die in a few days due to an attack of aphids.
In order to maintain the good conditions of the tree, it is suggested to carry out regeneration pruning, in which dry branches are trimmed and with some damage from pests for phytosanitary control and to shape the crown of the tree. If the tree is in good health, it is not essential to carry out any type of pruning.
In the juvenile stage of these trees, they can be attacked by mites and chinchillas. Instead aphids attack both juvenile and adult trees. The warm and dry places are conducive to the presence of aphids or aphids in the tender shoots of new branches, flower buds and fruits in formation.
Pruning and Phytosanitary Treatment
It is suggested to carry out maintenance pruning, phytosanity, and regeneration of branches, it is recommended to do it at the beginning of the first season and to avoid rot and plague attack by wounds, healing paste is applied to the cuts. As it is a tree for ornamental use, severe pruning is applied at different times of its growth to shape the crown and give it a bushy appearance.
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