Q: This tree came up in the undeveloped land next to ours. Can you tell me what it is?

A: You have a chinaberry, Melia azedarach.

Most gardeners consider it a weed tree because it sprouts so readily in untended areas and because the branches break and fall so easily.

On the other hand, the seeds you see dangling from the limb tips make excellent ammunition for childhood slingshots! If you soak the berries in water for a couple of days the skin slip off readily. The tan seed inside can be strung to make a necklace for an adolescent girl.

chinaberry

chinaberry fruit