Plant · GBIF taxon 3190474
Neem
Azadirachta indicaAlso known as Margosa, Nimtree, Indian Lilac, Veepamaram
Neem is a fast-growing evergreen tree celebrated for its dense canopy of feathery compound leaves and remarkable natural insect-repellent properties. Native to tropical Asia, it thrives in arid soils and hot climates where its deep taproot system helps it withstand prolonged droughts. Fragrant white flowers give way to smooth yellow fruits that local birds and fruit bats disperse across wide distances.
EvergreenMedicinalDrought-Tolerant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Fruit Bats
- Parakeets
- Browsing Goats
ThreatsSevere frost, prolonged waterlogging, land clearing
HabitatsTropical dry forests, savannas, disturbed areas, urban landscapes
Life span150–200 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyMeliaceae
- SpeciesAzadirachta indica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Concentrated extracts and seeds can be toxic if consumed; wild fruits have toxic look-alikes, so never ingest.
- Why it is dangerous
- Concentrated seeds and leaf oils contain azadirachtin and nimbin, which cause vomiting, liver toxicity, and seizures if ingested in high quantities.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by dark deeply fissured bark, serrated asymmetric leaflets, and yellow olive-like fruits.
- What to do
- Avoid ingesting wild seeds, leaves, or concentrated oils; observe the tree from a safe distance.
Responsible observation
- Identification: Look for serrated leaflets with distinctly asymmetrical bases along each pinnate leaf.
- Wildlife Watching: Watch for fruit bats and birds feeding on the yellow canopy fruits at dusk.
- Shade Comfort: Enjoy the dense shade and mild fragrance of blooming clusters from a respectful distance.
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · cc0
Close Relative (c) Lalithamba, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Member (c) Feroze Omardeen, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Member (c) Kelin Guerra, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kelin Guerra · cc-by
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