Azadirachta indica A. Juss.

Neem, margosa, nimtree, Indian lilac

Neem is native to India and parts of Indochina, and naturalized in many other tropical and subtropical climates. It is drought-resistant, and thrives in well-drained, sandy soils. In some regions it is considered a weed, which is curious, because it produces timber, fuelwood, fodder, medicines, pesticides and oil.

Plants: Trees reach 49–66′ (15–20 m). They are evergeens, but shed many leaves during the winter. The crown may reach 66–82′ (20–25 m) around.

Leaves: Pinnate, opposite, 8–16″ (20–40 cm). 20-30 leaflets are each 1–3″ (3–8 cm) long, on short stalks. They may be even pinnate or odd pinnate.

Flowers: Panicles of white flowers are up to 10″ (25 cm) long. The flowerheads are multiply branched and may contain 250-300 flowers. Each flower is ~3/16 ⨉ ¼–⅜″ (5–6 ⨉ 8–11 mm).

Fruits: Smooth, olive-like drupes ½–1 ⨉ ⅜–½″ (1.4–2.8 ⨉ 1–1.5 cm).

Habitats: Deep, sandy, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.

Medical: Poisonous. Neem oil pressed from fruits and seeds is used as an insecticide.

Online References:

Azadirachta indica description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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