Azdirachta indica A. Juss.

Classification:

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Angiosperms

Clade: Rosids

Order: Sapindales

Family: Meliaceae

Genus: Azadirachta

Species: A. indica

Description:

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem tree belongs to Meliaceae family.  It is a fast growing tree generally found in India, Nepal, Africa, South Asia, etc. It is commonly found in sandy, shallow and stony soil at an altitude of 500m- 1500m from sea level. Season of flowers differ from place to place. Generally, flowers starts from January to May and ripening time of fruits is from May to August. It is very similar to Chinaberry, (Melia azedarach).

Morphological characters:

Azadirachta indica is a medium sized, fast growing, evergreen tree up to 15-20m tall (sometimes 40m ) forming dense oval or rounded crown. Bark is grey or dark reddish. Leaves are pinnately compound, leaflets 8-19, alternate or opposite, ovate, serrate. Flowers are bisexual with white or yellow, small scented, numerous on a long axillary panicles (clusters) have a honey like scent attract for pollination. Fruits is ovoid, blunty smooth, ellipsoidsal drupe green when young and turris yellow at maturity, one seeded. Fruit is 1-2 cm long and  fleshy. The fruit is a smooth yellow green drupe and has a sweet -flavoured pulp.

Medicinal uses: 

Azadirachta indica is one of the medicinal plant with pest control properties. It has antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, insecticidal, nematocidal and sedative properties. It is antipyretic (fever relief), analgesic ( pain relief) and antimalarial activity. Oil is used as for a helathy hair. Fruits are used in various purposes like: urinary diseases, piles ( haemorrhoids). intestinal worms and leprosy. Leaves are used for skin diseases relief, itching, reducing the inflammation and also the redness of patchy lesions. Bark of Neem tree are used for treatment of AIDS, ulcers, heart diseases, allergies, etc. Twigs are used for dental brush as a treatment. It is also used in cosmetics as well as veterinary shops.

Commercial uses:

Azadirachta indica plays an important role in commercial purposes. Neem cake is widely distributed through out the country as natural pesticides and fertilizers. It controls more than 200 different species of insects. Azadirachtin, a chemical compound found in Neem trees used as a commercial insect growth regulators. Neem bark contains tannins used in tanning, dyeing, etc. and also used in the production of dental care products like toothpaste.

Neem is best known for its anti-aging properties. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays, pollution and other environmental factors. Few companies are also using Neem oil and leaves for the production of cosmetics like: facial creams, shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, etc.

Neem Tree

Pinnately compound Leaves of  Neem 

A small Neem tree