Malai vembu, bakain in Hindi, is the Persian lilac or chinaberry, a fast-growing tree related to neem. It has fragrant lilac flowers in spring and clusters of round, yellow berries that hang on the tree through winter. The berries are poisonous and have killed children and livestock. It is easy to confuse with neem, Azadirachta indica, which has once-divided leaves and is far less toxic.
- Botanical name
- Melia azedarach L.
- Family
- Meliaceae
- Tamil
- Malai vembu
- Hindi
- Bakain
- Sanskrit
- Mahānimba
- Parts used
- Leaves in lists, Bark in lists
- Habit
- Deciduous tree with lilac flowers and toxic yellow berries
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Malai vembu
It is a deciduous tree, often ten to fifteen metres, with a spreading crown.
The leaves are twice or three times pinnate, with many toothed, pointed leaflets.
Fragrant, star-shaped lilac flowers with a dark purple tube of stamens grow in loose clusters.
The fruits are round, smooth berries, green turning yellow, that stay on the bare tree in winter.
Neem leaves are divided only once, and neem fruits are olive-shaped.
Traditional use of Malai vembu
Farming
Leaves are used as an insect repellent in stored grain and as fodder in some areas.
Indian farm practice
Ayurveda
Mahanimba is listed in Ayurvedic texts for skin complaints and worms.
Ayurvedic texts
Craft
Its hard seeds are strung as beads.
Traditional craft practice
Modern notes on Malai vembu
The berries contain meliatoxins, which cause vomiting, seizures and paralysis.
Its leaves and seeds contain limonoids with insecticidal effects, like neem.
It has become invasive in parts of the United States, Africa and Australia.
Malai vembu safety
Never eat the berries, and keep children and animals away from fallen fruit. Do not use it in place of neem.
Ecology and sourcing
It grows wild in the Himalayan foothills and is planted widely in drier regions.
Birds eat the berries without harm and spread the seeds.
Bees visit the fragrant flowers.
Related plants
Also in Meliaceae
Questions about Malai vembu
Is Malai vembu neem?
No. It is a relative with more divided leaves.
Are the berries of Malai vembu poisonous?
Yes.
Why is Malai vembu called Persian lilac?
For its fragrant lilac flowers.
Is Malai vembu invasive?
In some countries, yes.
Can the Malai vembu’s leaves repel insects?
Yes, they are used in stored grain.
Sources
- Melia azedarach L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q162171 (Melia azedarach)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.