SafePlants

Azadirachta indica: The Versatile Neem Tree

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem, Nimtree, Indian Lilac, Margosa Tree, Holy Tree, Bead Tree, and Pride of China, is a valuable tree with a rich history and diverse applications.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Azadirachta indica A. Juss.
• Family: Meliaceae (Mahogany family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms: Antelaea azadirachta (L.) Adelb., Melia azadirachta Linn.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the trunk of Azadirachta indica exudes a tenacious gum, and the bark is bitter. Pets may find the taste unpalatable if ingested.
• Seeds yield an aromatic oil.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that the trunk of Azadirachta indica exudes a tenacious gum, and the bark is bitter. Children may find the taste unpalatable if ingested.
• Seeds yield an aromatic oil.

Distribution and Habitat

Native to India and the Indian subcontinent, Azadirachta indica has naturalized in various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including northern Australia, tropical Asia, Africa, Fiji, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. It thrives in arid habitats with nutrient-poor soils.

Morphological Characteristics

• Azadirachta indica is a small to medium-sized, usually evergreen tree, capable of growing to a large size.
• It typically reaches a height of up to 15 meters, but can exceptionally reach 20-30 meters.
• The tree features a straight stem and a highly branched crown.
• The bark is dark-grey and fairly thick.
• Leaves are alternate and pinnate with toothed leaflets.
• Flowers are white, small (about 8 mm in diameter), and grow in branched clusters.

Traditional Uses and Properties

• Neem has been widely utilized in Ayurveda, Unani, and Homoeopathic systems of medicine for various health-related problems and ailments since ancient times.
• Each part of the neem plant is reported to have various medicinal properties and has been used for centuries.
• It contains a compound called azadirachtin, known for its anti-bacterial properties and insecticidal action.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Azadirachtin from Neem is effective against insects.

Quirky Facts

• Azadirachta indica is referred to as the "divine tree" in the Indian subcontinent.
• The tree is intolerant of temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and is best grown in tropical to subtropical areas.

Further Information

For more information, you can refer to taxonomic databases such as the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) with Taxonomic Serial No. 29012.