Neem or Indian lilac

Neem is perhaps the most useful traditional medicinal plant in India. Each part of the neem tree has some medicinal property that makes it commercially exploitable. It has, for a very long time, been a friend and protector of the Indian villager. Brihat Samhita, an ancient Hindu treatise, contains a chapter of verses on plant medicines. It contains recommendations that feature specific trees to be planted in the vicinity of houses and settlements. Neem was highly recommended.

Neem is a medium to large-sized tree that has a straight trunk and long spreading branches that form a broad round crown. Hence, it is grown as an Avenue tree. Its bark is moderately thick, furrowed dark brown to grey-black. The tree matures in 10 - 15 years and has a religious significance. All parts of the tree are bitter and medicinal. People in India believe that places with a large number of Neem trees are devoid of diseases. With an extensive and deep root system, the hardy Neem tree can grow luxuriantly even in marginal and leached soils and thrives up to an elevation of 1500m.

The Neem tree flowers between February and May. The honey-scented white flowers, found in clusters, are a good source of nectar for bees. Neem fruits are green drupes that turn golden yellow on ripening during the Indian summer. The kernels have about 45% oil. The termite-resistant Neem timber is used as a building material, and in making furniture and farm implements. The bark yields tannin and gum. The amber-hued gum is used as a dye in textiles and traditional medicines. Neem fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, bark, and roots are used as general antiseptics, antimicrobials, treatment of urinary disorders, diarrhea, fever and bronchitis, skin diseases, septic sores, infected burns, hypertension, and inflammatory diseases. Neem has also proved effective against certain fungi that infect the human body.

Neem tree starts fruiting from 3 to 5 years and is fully productive by 10 years.