Neem Tree

Hindi - Neem , Bengali - Nim, Nimgachh, Konkani - Beva-rooku, Marathi - Kadunimb, Gujarati - Leemdo, Tamil - Vembu, Vempu, Punjabi - Nimb, Malayalam - Veppu, Aryaveppu, Aruveppu, Kaippan, Veppu, Vepa,Simhalee - Nimu, Oriya - Nimo
Telegu - Vepa, Kannada - Bevinmar, Kahibevu

Neem is a very useful tree. Every part of the tree, from its roots to leaves is laden with medicinal properties. Neem tree’s bitterness is its biggest merit. Because of its bitterness, it remains green even in summer when other trees become dry.

Neem or Margosa is a botanical cousin of mahogany. It belongs to the family Meliaceae. The latinized name of Neem - Azadirachta indica - is derived from the Persian:

Neem is extremely beneficial to save the environment from pollution; since its in-florescence is purifying ‘with its feathery crests tossing fifty feet into the sky’ neem is a veritable “Kalpataru” for giving healthy environs. Like other trees, it exhales out oxygen and keeps the oxygen level in the atmosphere balanced. Like other trees, it also brings other environmental benefits such as flood control, reduced soil erosion and less salination. Neem can avert environmental crisis in India and other tropical countries as it can be successfully used for rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems and waste lands. Neem is highly recommended for reforestation of semi-arid regions in India and tropics of the sub-Saharan region, Asia and Central America. Neem is extremely useful in urban forestry because it has remarkable ability to withstand air and water pollution as well as heat. Neem also helps in restoring and maintaining soil fertility which makes it highly suitable in agro-forestry.

Neem is a natural resource to keep environment clean. In villages and cities as well as on farms, it is useful as a windbreak. As a source of shade, it is excellent for parks, roadsides etc. Because of its so many qualities, it is a common practice in rural India to have a neem of tree within the compounds of most of the houses. Neem is also a regarded as a valuable forestry species in India. (back to top)

Ayurveda says: Normally it has insecticidal properties. Chewing 5 very soft neem leaves daily keeps all diseases at bay, purifies blood and helps prevent chronic diseases. Its regular consumption prevents teeth related disorders and improves voice. Regular brushing with neem stub keeps teeth white, shining, strong and free from diseases. Applying a paste of neem leaves has been one of the fastest ways to heal a wound from time immemorial. Neem oil is used in many medicines. In Ayurveda neem is known to destroy all the three doshas (vaat- pitt and cough). Taking juice of neem leaves helps a lot in skin diseases, diabetes and allergy. If one or two drops of neem oil is put in nose it can prevent hair fall and greying. Neem oil massage at night prevents dandruff. ( Source: Ayurveda of Neem)

Neem trees along a walkway

 Neem tree is the official tree of the Sindh Province and is very common in all cities of Sindh, there are projects underway for planting this tree in all over Sindh Province

Planting them: Well grown saplings are avilable with forest department nurseries. They grow fast. They become big trees and hence considerations for where to plant them is important.

Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft), rarely to 35–40 metres (115–130 ft). It is evergreen, but in severedrought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. The branches are wide spread. The fairly dense crown is roundish or ovular and may reach the diameter of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft) in old, free-standing specimens( Source: Wikipedia  )

Neem Flowers

My research showed me that it also attracts birds and found many supporting materials for the same. It grows big and hence can support many forms of birds. Some of the species may not be very common to harmonynest area.


“Birds that feed on the Neem fruit in our garden include:
1. Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier analis)
2. Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis)
3. Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)
4. Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis strigata)
5. Pink-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans)
6. Lineated Barbet (Megalaima lineata hodgsoni)
7. Common Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea)
(Source: Yellow-vented bulbul feeding neem fruit )

Suggested areas for planting them

• Portion of road leading to Gate.
• Karab land lining
• Consider naming a small segment of cross road as Neem road and plant Neem along.
• Along borders of the land.
• Near the common areas...cool, healthy tree around the common area

External Links
All about neem - http://www.neemfoundation.org

Under a Neem tree: Orignially a telugu story by Anuradha. Translated -  link