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The Neem Tree |  |
The Neem tree - Azadirachta indica - is an evergreen of the tropics and sub-tropics. It is native to India, but widely planted and naturalised throughout Asia, Africa and Australia. Trees have also been planted in the Caribbean and several Central American countries. It belongs to the family Meliaccae, and is a cousin of the Chinaberry. It may reach up to 15m tall under ideal conditions, and is reported to live for up to 200 years. It has a short straight furrowed trunk, dark brown or grey in colour, with dense rounded crowns of pinnate leaves. It can tolerate temperatures of up to 120 deg. C, and rainfall as little as 45cm. It must have well drained soil, and will respond well to organic fertilisers - although being hardy, it can still grow luxuriantly in marginal and leached soils, up to an elevation of 1500m. Flowering is between February and May, with profuse clusters of small white flowers having a very sweet jasmine or honey-like scent. The flowers provide a good source of nectar for bees. Following on from flowering, the fruit are green drupes, turning golden yellow on ripening, which occurs during June, July and August in India. The fruits are about 1.5 cm long, edible, and loved by African children. The tree will normally begin bearing fruit after 3 to 5 years, and produce about 50 Kg annually when mature. The kernels of these fruits yield about 45% neem oil. The bark yields tannin and amber hued gum, used as a dye in textiles as well as the medicinal usage.
The Neem tree is related to mahogany, and so consequently can be used locally for furniture and building purposes. The inherant properties of Neem make it resistant to termites.
In India, it has not tended to be a 'plantation' species, and can be seen along the roadside and in gardens. Local tradition dictates that Neem trees should be planted near the home to ensure good health to those that live there.
There is reference to these policies in the ancient Hindu writings: 'Brihat Samhita' - and common sense implies that easy access to the tree would facilitate provision of the many and varied uses of the fruits, seeds, leaves, bark, oil and roots. Generations of Indians privy to this knowledge consider protecting and planting the Neem tree a sacred duty, encouraged by religious sanction.
As the 21st. Century unfolds, we are in the exciting position of overseeing the Neem tree - a living legend - realise its' full potential within the realms of Medicine, Pest Management and Environmental Protection. |
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