a handsome tree (
Melia azedarach) of the mahogany family, native to Northern India and China, having long clusters of fragrant purple blossoms and small ornamental but inedible yellow fruits. It has been naturalized as a shade tree and is common in the southern United States; -- called also,
chinaberry,
China tree,
Pride of India,
Pride of China, and
Bead tree. [
1913 Webster]