Well known for its medicinal properties, the Neem tree is a fast growing plant that can reach up to 15 to 30 m tall. It is drought tolerant and thrives in well-drained soils.
The genus name, Azadirachta, comes from the words azad, meaning ‘free’ in Persian, and dirakht, which means ‘tree’. The name indica refers to its Indian origin. Hence, the name literally means the ‘free tree of India’. This is fitting as it is almost a free pharmacy in itself. It has potential in medicine, agricultural and environment conservation.
ЁЯМ│Neem has fern like, pinnately compound leaves. Each leaf is 15 to 40 cm long, and carries 8 to 19 asymmetrically curved leaflets, each with a toothed margin.
ЁЯМ│The tree produces small white flowers, which have a very sweet, jasmine-like scent.
ЁЯМ│The fruit is a drupe that is edible and has a bittersweet taste.
ЁЯМ│The seed yields an oil which is used as an organic pesticide and insect repellent.
ЁЯРжBirds like the Yellow-vented Bulbul, Olive-winged Bulbul and Black-naped Oriole feed on the fruit.
ЁЯМ│People call the Neem Tree a traditional Indian village pharmacy’, as its many medicinal qualities have been in use for thousands of years in Ayurveda. It is also commonly used in soaps, toothpaste and hair products, and as a natural pesticide.
Village folk in India use its twigs as chewable toothbrushes for their antibacterial properties that maintain oral hygiene and health.
Scientific name: Azadirachta indica
Common names: Neem Tree, Margosa
Family: Meliaceae
Native Distribution: Indian subcontinent and South East Asia
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Reference
Plants of Singapore
