Poisonous Plants of Hawaii: Chinaberry

Human Toxicity

• The fruits are toxic if ingested due to concentrated amounts of tetranortriterpene neurotoxins, although North Carolina State University notes that the fruits are toxic only if large quantities are eaten. Poisoning symptoms may include stomach irritation, vomiting and irregular breathing. More severe symptoms may include respiratory distress, bloody diarrhea and paralysis. Children should be warned not to taste the fruits. If you suspect chinaberry poisoning in yourself or somebody else, contact your healthcare provider or call the free American Association of Poison Control Centers Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.

Pet Toxicity

• The ripe fruits, bark, leaves and flowers of chinaberry are all listed by the ASPCA as being toxic to horses, cats and dogs. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include diarrhea, salivation, depression and weakness. In serious instances, seizures may occur. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of the chinaberry tree, call your veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. You may have to pay a consultation fee.

Culture

• Chinaberry is not a popular landscape tree due to its toxicity, invasiveness and weak, brittle branches that are prone to splitting. Where not listed as invasive, chinaberry may be cultivated with virtually no maintenance. The tree will grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7A through 10B, where it prefers full sunlight. The tree will grow in just about any type of soil and is moderately drought tolerant. The cultivar "Texas Umbrella" boasts a more attractive rounded canopy.

Considerations

• Resilient and aggressive, chinaberry easily establishes itself in disturbed natural areas. This is problematic because the tree displaces native plants that can't compete with the tree's vigorous growth. The tree is not recommended for northern and central Florida, according to the University of Florida Extension, although it may be grown with caution in southern Florida. The marble-like fruits pose a tripping hazard on sidewalks and driveways, and dropped tree litter can be a hassle to sweep up.