Known As: Bead Tree, China Tree, Chinaball Tree, Chinaberry, Indian
Lilac, Japanese Bead Tree, Pride of India, White Cedar
Latin Name: Melia azedarach
Description: Fast-growing deciduous tree up to 10 metres high.
Leaves are toothed leaflets on a stem that turn bright yellow in fall.
Small, lilac-colored flowers in large clusters. Fruit small yellowish
berries.
Poisonous Parts: Fruits and tea from leaves. Involves
Tetranortriterpene neurotoxins; also possibly a saponin.
Symptoms: Stomach irritation, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, paralysis,
irregular breathing, and respiratory distress. Causes convulsions.
Treatment: Unless your cat is unconscious or having convulsions,
induce vomiting and follow procedures to delay
absorption and speed elimination. Get prompt veterinary assistance.
Images Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin,
Larry Grand.