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Neem.fr is a website for nature enthusiasts actively supporting the development of Neem. Our goal is to facilitate information for the public and professionals to draw attention to the many possible applications of Neem.

The Neem Tree

Tree
The Neem Tree

Native to Eastern India, specifically from the southern Himalayas, the Neem or Margosa tree (Azadirachta indica) is a sacred tree with numerous virtues. A text from Indian traditional medicine (Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira) even recommends planting a Neem tree near every house. The sacred Hindu texts speak of “sarve roga nirvariniqui,” which means “the one who heals all diseases.” In colloquial language, Neem is called “The village pharmacy” ! The Neem is a tropical tree, a cousin of the mahogany (specifically the Cuban and American mahogany), with evergreen foliage, belonging to the Meliaceae family, which includes trees from equatorial regions. Adapted to poor soils, it tolerates high temperatures as well as low rainfall.

The Neem grows rapidly; it can reach a height of 20 meters and live for 200 years. Its leaves are slightly serrated and resemble those of the ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior) and closely resemble those of the soapberry tree (Sapindus mukorossi). Its bark is brown and vertically fissured. As early as May, the Neem tree produces violet, star-shaped, fragrant flowers arranged in drooping clusters. They transform into small, edible yellow fruits (resembling small apricots) that are harvested during the monsoon season. They are then sun-dried before being ground. The almond extracted from the kernel is transformed into Neem oil. It is this oil that farmers in India use as a fertilizer, pesticide, and insecticide.

About Neem

In Brazil, all fruit and vegetable producers, as well as agricultural product distributors, are familiar with Neem, a commonly used product since 2001, especially for animals and agriculture.

The Organic Alternative

Azadirachtin-A, naturally present in Neem, effectively fights against a large number of pests. Over the last 25 years, entomologists have isolated more than 400 different species…

Did You Know ?

At maturity, the Neem tree can produce up to 50kg of fruit, which is equivalent to 30kg of seeds; these seeds are the main source of insecticidal compounds, including azadirachtin. However, the quantity of azadirachtin in the seeds varies considerably depending on climatic conditions, soil conditions, and the tree’s genotype (Ermel 1986; Singh 1986).