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Description
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Azadirachta Indica (Neem) is a moderate-sized tree which reaches a height of 40 feet (12.19 m) or more. It has a round to oval, spreading crown with wide branches and dense foliage. The dark green, evergreen leaves are opposite, pinnate, 8 to 16 inches long with 20 to 30 leaflets each 1 to 3 1/2 inches long with toothed edges. Interestingly, new leaves are reddish in color; and under severe drought conditions, the tree will lose most of its leaves.
Also, its flowers are borne in drooping clusters up to 10 inches (25.4 cm) long; the small blooms are white and fragrant and about 2/5 inch wide. The fruits are smooth, olive-like in shape, green becoming yellow when ripe, about an inch long and suspended on a long stem. Also, the fruits contain 1 to 3 seeds, used for propagation.
Azadirachta Indica (Neem) is a tree of great value in semiarid and arid areas since it provides numerous products. Neem is also widely planted worldwide in arid and semiarid areas because it is hardy and provides excellent shade. Neem’s new leaves, flowers and fruits are edible. Its leaves and seed oil have numerous medicinal uses and are natural insecticide. Neem oil is a lubricant; the bark has a high tannin content and the wood is durable. It tolerates a range of well-drained soils. In landscaping, this attractive fragrant tree is ideal for shade in parks and gardens. Neem can also be planted along the seaside or indoors in a planter.
