Azadirachta indica is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Neem tree is the official tree of the Sindh Province and is very common in all cities of Sindh, there are projects underway for planting this tree in all over Sindh Province. Neem trees also grow in islands in the southern part of Iran. Its fruits and seeds are the source of neem oil.
Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft). It is evergreen, but in severe drought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. The branches are wide and spreading. The fairly dense crown is roundish and may reach a diameter of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft) in old, free-standing specimens. The neem tree is very similar in appearance to its relative, the Chinaberry (Melia azedarach).
The (white and fragrant) flowers are arranged in more-or-less drooping axillary panicles. The inflorescences, which branch up to the third degree, bear from 150 to 250 flowers. Bisexual flowers and male flowers exist on the same individual tree.
The fruit is a smooth olive-like drupe which varies in shape from elongate oval to nearly roundish, and when ripe is 1.4–2.8 centimetres (0.55–1.1 in) by 1.0–1.5 centimetres (0.39–0.59 in). The fruit skin is thin and the bitter-sweet pulp is yellowish-white and very fibrous. The white, hard inner shell of the fruit encloses one, rarely two or three, elongated seeds having a brown seed coat.
Neem is also used to give baths to the Muslim dead. Neem leaves are dried in India, Pakistan and placed in cupboards to prevent insects eating the clothes and also while storing rice in tins.
The tender shoots and flowers of the neem tree are eaten as a vegetable in India. In India, the plant is variously known as `Sacred Tree`, `Heal All`, `Nature's Drugstore`, `Village Pharmacy` and `Panacea for all diseases`.
More about useful uses of the plant: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azadirachta_indica
Genus - Azadirachta
Species - Indica
Common name - Indian Lilac
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 9 - 15
Height - 50'-70' / 15m - 21m (60)
Spread - 50'-70' / 15m - 21m
Plant type - Tree
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, laom, Sand, rocky
Water requirements - Average, dry
Landscape uses - Shade tree, many medical uses
Germination rate - 95%
Bloom season - Spring
Leaf / Flower color - Green / White
Useful Info | |
Germination | 1. Sow in a very warm place (80F / +25-278C). 2. Keep soil wet all the time, do not over-water or over dried. Seeds will germinate in 1-3 weeks. Once the seedlings germinate, keep warm, in the sun, and allow soil surface to dry out between watering. |