
Azadirachta indica
Neem
Family |
Meliaceae |
Genus |
Azadirachta |
Species |
indica |
Category |
Tropicals, Woody |
Type |
Tree (evergreen) |
USDA Hardiness Zone |
10 - 12 |
Canadian Hardiness Zone |
Requires cool season protection under glass |
RHS Hardiness Zone |
H3 - H1b |
Temperature (°C) |
-1 - 16 |
Temperature (°F) |
30 - 60 |
Height |
15 - 22 m |
Spread |
15 - 22 m |
Landscape |
Shade planting and container planting. |
Cultivation |
Full sun and partial-shade. Well-drained and dry to medium soil. Prefers deep, sandy soil. |
Shape |
Upright, dense, round and broad. |
Growth |
Medium |
Habitat |
Tropical and sub-tropical. |
Leaf Description |
Compound pinnate leaves that are 15 - 30 cm long, have 8 - 18 serrated leaflets that are 7 - 8 cm long. |
Flower Description |
Fragrant flowers in dropping panicles that are 25 cm long and bloom in spring. |
Fruit Description |
The fruit is a olive-like drupe. Containing 1 and sometimes 2 - 3 elongated seeds. |
Colour Description |
The leaves are a medium to dark green. The flowers are white. |
Texture Description |
The seeds are smooth in texture. |
Propagation |
Seed. |
Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
Durable wood used for furniture and lumber. The leaevs and bark are used in teas, cosmetics, pet care, toothpaste and medicinal preparations. The dried leaves are used to deter moth. Twigs can be used as tooth brushes. Neem oil can be used as botanical insecticide, repellent and fungicide. Can also be used as a lubricant for machinery, lamp fuel and for soaps and cosmetics. |