The Characteristics of Neem Trees
The neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is a member of the mahogany family and native to India and Southeast Asia. It is a fast-growing evergreen tropical tree and extremely heat- and drought-tolerant. It usually grows 50 to 65 feet tall and sometimes up to 100 feet. It can provide shade in hot, dry places where few other trees will grow, surviving on mere trickles of water. In addition, the neem tree is renowned for its medicinal properties. Does this Spark an idea?
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Leaves, Flowers and Fruit
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The neem tree has compound leaves, meaning that one leaf is composed of 20 to 30 leaflets, each 1 to 3 inches long, toothed around the edge and arranged something like a fern frond; the compound leaves give the tree an airy appearance, although they can also cast quite dense shade.
The tree has tiny white flowers that are arranged in long drooping panicles (clusters) that can be up to 10 inches long. These flowers are fragrant and attract bees. Neem honey is popular.
Neem fruits resemble olives in shape and color; they have a thin skin over yellowish-white pulp and one to three brown seeds. The pulp is edible, though not tasty, and is often given to animals to eat. The seeds can be pressed to produce neem oil.
Natural Insect Resistance
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Since ancient times, the neem tree has been valued for its medicinal properties; it has been given affectionate nicknames like "Heal All," "Nature's Drugstore," and the "Divine Tree." All parts of the tree, including the leaves, bark, flowers and fruits, can be used to make medicines, but the oil pressed from the seeds is the most common source.
The neem tree has developed natural chemical defenses against insects to help it survive in an inhospitable climate. These have been turned to many different uses by humans. Neem tree lumber is resistant to termites. Products derived from the neem tree can be used as insecticides in gardens; as antiviral, antibacterial or antiparasitic medicines; as toothpaste; as acne medicine; as spermicide for contraceptive use; as insect repellent on human skin; even as a flea-killer for dogs and cats. Neem is being investigated for use against malaria, diabetes and other diseases.
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Cosmetic Uses
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In addition to its bug-killing properties, neem oil can lighten scars and improve elasticity, so it really shines as an ingredient in skin and hair care products. Neem oil has been used in soaps, shampoos, lotions and skin creams. It is often prescribed to treat skin diseases, acne, warts and various parasites.
In India, village people traditionally chew the ends of neem twigs to make natural toothbrushes. Neem leaves are now used to make toothpaste and mouthwash. Neem oil itself can be toxic and should not be taken internally.
Effects
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The active chemicals in neem tree products are effective against about 500 different pests, including insects, mites and ticks. It is usually not toxic to larger animals in the quantities used in insecticides. Neem does not immediately kill the insects but repels them and affects their growth, rendering them unable to eat, breed or undergo metamorphosis. Pesticides using neem are considered environmentally friendly and are much favored by organic gardeners. Only insects that eat plants are affected, so bees, ladybugs and butterflies are safe (although the caterpillars that turn into butterflies are not).
Invasive
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Because of the tree's many useful medicinal and drought-resistant properties, there are programs to grow neem trees in Africa, North and South America, and other parts of the world. Because this species has evolved to survive in extremely hot and dry climates, it can sometimes run rampant in more hospitable environments. There is some evidence that it can be invasive outside of its native turf, so people should be cautious about growing it in other places.
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