Chinnaberry

Description:

Last years and this years berries.

Habitat:

Yard near Lake Belton.

Notes:

Chinaberries are an Asian member of the mahogany family and in many places considered an exotic invasive. They produce copious amounts of berries about 1/2 in. in diameter. Several species of birds, particularly mockingbirds, robins, and waxwings, devour the berries, frequently getting drunk. Then they disperse the seeds, causing chinaberry to spring up everywhere where it can become a weedy pest that often pushes out native growth. All parts of the tree are poisonous, especially the fruits.