Azadirachta indica A. Juss.
Vernacular name: Neem, Indian lilac, Nim (Hindi: नीम)
Species Name: Azadirachta indica A. Juss.
Family: Meliaceae
Habit: Fast-growing evergreen tree
Stem: Straight trunk 15-20 m tall, grey-brown furrowed bark, spreading branches.
Leaf: Imparipinnate, 20-30 cm long, 7-17 leaflets serrate, lanceolate 3-8 cm.
Flowering: March–May
Flowers: Axillary panicles 15-25 cm long (thyrsoid paniculate inflorescence – compound panicle with dichasial cymes); small white fragrant, 5-lobed calyx, 5 petals.
Fruit: Drupe ellipsoid 1-2 cm long, green turning yellow, single seed.
Uses:
- Leaf is used in skin diseases like eczema, ringworm, acne and psoriasis.
- Bark is used to reduce fever.
- Oil is used to treat wounds, treat lice, dandruff and for hair care.
- Plant is used to purify blood and manage blood sugar.
- Plant is used as biopesticide as seed has a protein called azadirachtin that repels 600 species of harmful pest while being ineffective towards beneficial pests.
- Plant has antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammation properties.
- Twigs of plants (datun in Ayurveda) are used as toothbrush for gum health, prevent cavities, plaque and gingivitis.
- Plant wood is used as timber to make furniture.
- Also known as “Village pharmacy tree” and Panchavati plant.
- Plant extract is used with urea as nitrification inhibitor.
