Identification of Flora
st
1 Observation
Common name: Neem tree
Scientific name: Azadirachta indica
IUCN Status: This indicates that the species is wide spread, abundant and not currently
at risk of extinction. Neem is highly valued for its ecological Medicinal and economic
importance and it thrive in tropical and semi tropical regions.
Introduction: The neem tree is a fast growing ever green tree native to the Indian
subcontinent and widely cultivated in tropical and semi tropical regions. Known as the
“village pharmacy” neem has significant medicinal, agricultural, and ecological
importance. It belongs to the meliaceous family and can grow up to 20-30 meters tall.
Neem is highly valued for its drought resistance and ability to thrive in poor soils. Its
leaves, bark, seeds and oil are widely used in traditional medicine, pest control and
cosmetics making it a versatile and sustainable resource.
Description: The neem tree is a fast-growing drought resistant evergreen tree that belongs to the
meliaceous family. It is valued for its medicinal family. It is valued for its medicinal properties, pest-
repellent qualities, and ecological benefits, with uses in traditional medicine, agriculture and
cosmetics.
Morphology:
1. Roots: Neem has a strong and extensive taproot system that helps it survive in arid
conditions.
2. Trunk: The tree has a straight medium sized trunk with rough, fissured and dark gray brow
bark.
3. Leaves: Neem leaves are pinnate, alternately arranged, and bright green, with 20-30
lanceolate leaflets per leaf. The leaves are evergreen, though they may shed briefly during
extreme drought.
4. Flowers: The tree produces small, fragrant white of pale-yellow flowers that are bisexual
and borne in axideory panicles.
5. Fruits: The fruit is a smooth, oval drupe, green when Muong and yellow or golden-brown
when mature, containing a single seed.
6. Seeds: Neem seeds are encased in a fibrous mesocarp and contain oil rich kernels used for
medicinal and agricultural purposes.
Distribution:
1. Negative range: neem is negative to the Indian subcontinent, particularly India,
Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar. It thrives in tropical and semi
tropical climates.
2. Global spread: The tree has been introduced to several regions across the world,
including Africa, south east Asia, the middle east, the Caribbean, central and south Africa
and Australia, due to its ecological and economic benefits.
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3. Climate adaption: neem grows in areas with tempera trues ranging from 20 C to 40 C
and can to legate drought conditions. It is highly drought resistant and thrives in regions
with low rainfall, typically 400-1200 mm annually.
4. Soil tolerance: The tree can grow in a wide variety of soils, including sandy, clayey,
saline, and alkaline soils, although it prefers well drained soils.
5. Ecological importance: Neem is often planted in arid and semi-arid regions to combat
desertification, serve as windbreaks, and improve soil fertility.
6. Urban and rural plantations: Due to its fast growth and multiple uses, neem is
commonly grown in cities, farmlands, rode sides, and waste lands worlds wild.
7. Global utilization: Neem has become a significant tree in agroforestry systems globally
because of its medicinal agricultural and ecological value.
Uses:
1. Medicinal uses: Neem leaves, bark and oil are used in traditional medicine to treat skin
diseases, infections, diabetes, and inflammation. Neem oil is and effective antifungal
and antibacterial agent.
2. Agricultural uses: Neem oil and neem cake are natural pesticides and fertilizers. They
help control pests protect crops, and improve soil fertility.
3. Cosmetic uses: Neem is widely used in soaps, shampoos, tooth paste, and skincare.
Products for its antibacterial and cleansing properties.
4. Environmental uses: Neem trees combat desertification, improve soil fertility and purify
the air. They are often planted as windbreaks and for reforestation.
5. Industrial uses: Neem oil is used in soap making biodiesel production and pharma
cuticles. Neem wood is used for furniture and fuel.
