|
Chinaberry is a tree that grows up to 50 feet tall with a broad,
spreading, rounded crown. The large leaves of up to 15 inches
long have leaflets of up to 3 inches long. Loose clusters of
purplish, fragrant flowers give rise to hanging clumps of smooth
single-seeded fruits about 0.5 to 0.75 inch in diameter. The
clusters of fruit ripen to yellow in the fall and often persist
on the tree through the winter.
Distribution and habitat
These introduced trees were widely planted as ornamentals
in the eastern two-thirds of Texas. Many have escaped and
may be found in thickets, floodplain woods and borders of
woods.
Regions 1, 2,
3, 4,
5, 6,
7, 8.
Toxic agent
Meliatoxins A1, A2 and A3 are responsible for the toxicity
of these plants. They are found in highest concentration in
the fruit, but the bark, leaves and flowers are also poisonous.
Many speciesincluding cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, rats,
rabbits, guinea pigs, poultry and humans have been poisoned
by chinaberry. Pigs and dogs are poisoned most frequently,
usually by ingesting fallen fruits. They show clinical signs
within 2 to 4 hours of consumption.
|
Livestock
signs
The clinical signs are related to the gastrointestinal and/or
nervous system and include:
• Anorexia
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Excitation
• Incoordination
• Depression
• Convulsions
Animals surviving for 24 hours have a good chance of recovery.
Rarely do clinical signs last longer than 48 hours. Most cases
result from animals consuming the fruit from the ground. Because
this intoxication is rapid, the hard, ribbed pit from the
fruit is easily identifiable from the stomach contents of
dead animals.
Integrated management strategies
Remove chinaberry trees from the area of pens used for swine.
Other animals should not be forced to consume the bitter
fruit.
|
