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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
fairly fast
growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium, high
Salinity/ppm :
very high (10000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
+6°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree
Height
:
15 m-30 m
Spread
:
10 m-20 m
Foliage
:
evergreen,
semi-evergreen,
deciduous
FLOWER
Colour
:
white, light
yellow
Size
:
30 cm
Period
:
March - May
Smell
:
pleasantly
scented
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
drupe
Fruit size
:
2 cm
The Neem tree belongs to the mahogany family. It originates from Myanmar, but was dispersed
to many tropical countries. Usually, it grows to about 15 metres in height and 10 metres diameter.
Its bark is deeply fissured and dark grey in colour. Alternate leaves are pinnate, up to 40 cm
long and light green; leaflets are ovate with a serrated margin. In mild winters, they may last
until spring, but generally this tree sheds its foliage in Arriyadh’s climate. A. indica struggles
somewhat in Arriyadh’s extremely dry air and rarely achieves the beauty of Neem trees growing
in Jeddah, for example. White or pale-yellow flowers appear in spring and are slightly fragrant.
Self-incompatibility hinders isolated trees to grow fruit. They may develop into round drupes
that turn yellow or purple when ripe. Fruits are eaten raw or processed. Birds eat them and in
this way may disperse the seeds. The tree has achieved an almost pan-tropical distribution owing
to its adaptability on the one hand and its various qualities on the other. Mature Neems tolerate
some frost and tolerate full sun. Any soil is tolerated, unless it is waterlogged. Neem trees are
used to control erosion and to fix dunes. They are easily raised from seeds after the pulp has been
washed off. Vegetative propagation is possible, such as by hardwood cuttings. Branches are easily
reproduced after hard pruning. The rough wood repels insects, and resists even termites. Neem
glue and neem tea are therefore ideal replacements for insecticides. Neem oil is extracted from
the kernels.
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Azadirachta indica,
Meliaceae
Neem Tree,
neem, shereesh