Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica)
Scientific Name: Azadirachta indica — Indian lilac, Neem.
Native Home: Indian subcontinent.
Height: 15–25 metres.
Lifespan: 100–200 years under favourable conditions.
Uses and Harvesting
Timber: Durable wood used for furniture, doors, and agricultural implements.
Harvesting: Leaves, seeds, fruits, and bark are collected for traditional and commercial uses.
Age to Harvest: Seeds may be collected once the tree begins fruiting, often after 3–5 years; timber harvesting generally requires many more years.
Products: Neem oil, seed cake, botanical pest-control products, soaps, and traditional herbal preparations.
- History and Global Production
Traditional Use: Used in South Asian traditions for skin care, oral hygiene, and plant protection.
Global Spread: Widely cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa and South Asia.
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