This is Dave in Fruitland Park, Fl. What are the major differences in appearance of Melia azedarach, and Koelreuteria paniculata? Chinaberry and Golden rain tree. I am having a time trying to find pictures of the two placed side by side. Thanks, Dave

Chinaberry tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)

Golden raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)

Okay Dave, here goes. Both golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) and Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) are invasive pest species in southern North America. Both are listed by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council as invasive species that are increasing in abundance and may eventually alter native Florida plant communities (Category II). Neither tree should be cultivated in the southern U.S., where they likely will shed their seeds and invade nearby natural areas, and outcompete native species.
Golden rain tree and Chinaberry are both medium sized, fast growing deciduous trees. Superficially, and from a distance, they can be similar in appearance.

Golden rain tree leaves are even-bipinnately compound. That is, there is an even number of leaflets along the central leaf stalk (rachis). Chinaberry leaves are odd-bipinnately compound, with a terminal leaflet at the tip of the rachis.

Golden rain tree flowers are bowl shaped, 1 in (2.5 cm) across with four or five yellow petals, and borne in large, 12-18 in (30-45 cm) long, upright pyramid shaped clusters (panicles) in late summer.

Chinaberry flowers are star shaped, purplish, fragrant, 0.75 in (2 cm) across with five or six petals, and borne in arching or hanging panicles 4-8 in (10-20 cm) long in spring and early summer.

Chinaberry flowers	Golden rain tree flowers

Chinaberries	Golden rain tree fruits

Golden rain tree fruits are pinkish, papery, bladderlike capsules about 2 in (5 cm) long. In fall the large pinkish hanging clusters are very showy, especially from a distance. Chinaberry fruits are yellowish, sticky berries about 0.75 in (1.8 cm) in diameter. They persist conspicuously on the tree long after leaf fall in winter. The berries are poisonous.

Hope this helps!

Steve C.

From Steven on January, 2007

I live in central Florida. I have been looking for scrub palmetto, dwarf palmetto and saw palmetto. I checked almost all local nurserymen and they told me they don't carry them. Frustrated, I decided to turn to you to see if you can tell me where to locate nurserymen that sell the above palmettos.

Blue palm (Sabal minor) foliage and fruits

It's great, Steven, that you want to plant native palm species in your Florida landscape. Scrub palmetto or scrub palm (Sabal etonia), blue palm (Sabal minor) and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) are each small palms that can be grown in temperate climates. If you check out the web site for the Association of Florida Native Nurseries, you will find several retail and wholesale sources for these and other native Florida plants. I know many of these growers personally, and they are great people; I'm sure even a grower who is mainly wholesale will be happy to help you out! Good luck!