Melia azedarach  L. – Chinaberry ;  Persian lilac  - Meliaceae

Because the chinaberry, Melia azedarach , has many uses, rural people in India believe it to be the abode of several gods and goddesses.  The presiding deity of this tree is Shitala, the goddess of smallpox.¹²  In India garlands of chinaberry seeds draped on doorways are believed to prevent infectious diseases.

The chinaberry , also called Persian lilac , is a moderate-sized deciduous tree native to the Himalayan Mountains and eastern Asia and now naturalized throughout the warm countries of the world.  Fruits contain one melon-shaped seed, which is ridged, whitish in color and easily pierced for stringing.

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