Melia azederach or White Cedar as its commonly known, is a native to Australia and South East Asia. Its a beautiful rounded canopy tree with mauve flowers in the spring time. The Flowers are really pretty and then the tree turns yellow in Autumn before losing all its leaves and bearing fruit. However.... beware of the fruit as its poisonous! A bit of a twist there, not recommended for kindergarten or childrens gardens however birds are not susceptable to the toxens , although dogs are. 
Its a very hardy tree, and will survive drought and frost. A good street tree and creates a great avenue. Here inMelbourne in Westgarth, the council has ussed them to line a main road, and the show in Spring time is quite something to behold!!!!
So if your looking for a tree that is tough and pretty, will lose its leaves in winter,with the added bonus of giving you plenty of shade in Summer time, this is a good choice. But do keep in mind the fruit. They are definitely not edible, and can self seed.
Speaking of drought and heat......( and I know many readers in the Northern hemisphere are probably totally over our droughts down south), a friend of mind sent me some pics of a very thirsty koala being helped by some understanding people. They really are cute.
Cute eh???
Comments are very welcome!
