A Persian lilacfor the windowsill

摘要

FIRST CULTIVATED in Britain in the sixteenth century, Persian lilac (Melia azedarach) is today largely known as a street tree in warm countries, or as a medium weight timber known as (Australian) white cedar. The confusing name, cedar, is applied to many other members of its family, Meliaceae, with similar working qualities. The equally confusing name, Persian lilac, refers to one form of the species introduced to Europe through Iran (Persia) and to the fragrance of the flowers which is uncannily like that of true lilac, Syringa vulgaris.