Meliaceae
A family of mostly tropical trees and shrubs of the order Rutales (synonym Sapindales), characterised by alternate, usually pinnate leaves without stipules and by syncarpous, usually bisexual flowers borne in panicles, cymes, spikes, or clusters.
Distribution: Pantropically; one genus (Toona) into temperate China, and another (Melia) nearly as far north.
Uses: oil, soap-making, insecticides, highly prized wood (mahogany)
Some economically important species belong to this family:
- Mahogany Swietenia mahagoni
- Senegal Mahogany Khaya senegalensis
- Neem Azadirachta indica
- Chinese mahogany Toona sinensis
- Bead tree Melia azedarach
- Spanish cedar Cedrela odorata (a very confusing common name! - it is neither a Cedar, nor from Spain, being native to Central America)
