Melia azedarach, Common name: Cape lilac, white cedar

[Brandon]

Hi all,

I have abundance of Melia azedarach (cape lilac) trees in my backyard, they are an absolute pest. I have been thinking of digging and attempting to bonsai this species. Has anyone had any success with this tree?? It is officially a weed in Australia (I think), you can find out more by going here - http://www.weeds.org.au/cgi-bin/weedide ... l&card=E54.

E54-2.jpg

The growing style of the tree looks to be a little difficult to train and bonsai, however it does grow profusely! (I cut one down, down the side of my house, poured roundup on it and it still insists on shooting from the stump!!)

Anybody tried to Bonsai this species??

[nealweb]

I love Cape lilac, absolutely beautiful tree, there are lots around Perth. Big trunks, big limbs, beautiful fragrant flowers, glowing orange berries. The compound leaves would be a minus for bonsai. I have never seen one bonsai'd before. Be nice to see how you go

[Pup]

I love Cape lilac, absolutely beautiful tree, there are lots around Perth. Big trunks, big limbs, beautiful fragrant flowers, glowing orange berries. The compound leaves would be a minus for bonsai. I have never seen one bonsai'd before. Be nice to see how you go

I got Bumped before I could write a responce.

Beware of these tree's they are toxic to some people and animals. Black cokatoos love them though. Neal ask Arthur about them. He had one that fouled the water tank.

Cheers Pup

[nealweb]

Ah, good point. I know those berries can foul the tread in your shoes...and then the carpets etc! but they sure look nice driving past in the car

[Brandon]

Beware of these tree's they are toxic to some people and animals. Black cokatoos love them though. Neal ask Arthur about them. He had one that fouled the water tank.

Cheers Pup

Hi pup,

When you say toxic, am I likely to break out in hives if working on one or is it only if I ingest the berries/flowers/leaves?

[Pup]

Beware of these tree's they are toxic to some people and animals. Black cokatoos love them though. Neal ask Arthur about them. He had one that fouled the water tank.

Cheers Pup

Hi pup,

When you say toxic, am I likely to break out in hives if working on one or is it only if I ingest the berries/flowers/leaves?

Brandon that is hard to say if you have allergie,s of any kind better to be safe than sorry. The rhus tree is another I do not have allergies as such but if I brush that one I end up covered in a red rash that lasts for days and is as itchy as all bugggery.

Cheers Pup

[craigw60]

Your not wrong with rhus I cut one down once and got the leaves all through my clothing. I was covered in rashes for weeks.
Craig

[sreeve]

Hi Brandon,
These are common also in Central Coast NSW suburban streets. I am unsure whether they can cause harm to individuals but I know that they will cause a pregnant horse or other livestock to lose their young etc.
They can be very dangerous for country folk or those who breed / keep livestock. Even to the extent of only a few berries falling into the water.

I have had one for about 9 years now. They grow quickly (as you will undoubtedly know) and have fantastic bark, trunk and nebari.

The only problem is that they don’t like the “traditional” bonsai styles and will suit the “Australian” style…whatever that may be…..

I am about to cut mine back and let it grow as it sees fit.
I have given up with trying to grow branches in a more traditional style

I reckon its well worth trying out

Regards
Steve

[Kunzea]

H Brandon
I've had one growing as bonsai for a few years. It has quite a way to go, but has potential. The branches are not easy to shape, but with perseverance you should be able to do something, just don't expect the trad styles to work to well. I haven't tried leaf shortening, though this might work once you get the br structure right. They colour up nicely in autumn. They seem to bud back reasonably well. The branchlets are thickish, rather than fine so that makes the styling different than you might otherwise be trying for.

When I worked in Perth, there was a divided opinion on the poison status of the species. It was noted in many books, but some could find no documented cases of human problems. Some of my colleagues said they used to eat the seeds when they were young. I'd not recommend such things as I don't personally know what is going on with the species. There might be some individual trees that are toxic to varying degrees, and/or there may be some individual people who are sensitive. I've taken no special precautions in my working with the species here and have suffered no ill effects (no fruits to pick or eat in my bonsai!).

Cheers
Kunzea

[sreeve]

I am unsure whether they can cause harm to individuals but I know that they will cause a pregnant horse or other livestock to lose their young etc.
They can be very dangerous for country folk or those who breed / keep livestock. Even to the extent of only a few berries falling into the water.

I dont know what I was thinking when I wrote the above......

This tree gets plagued by processionary caterpillars on an annual basis and it is these caterpillars which cause the harm to pregnant horses etc........

Regards
Steve