The seeds found in the fruit of the neem tree contain azadirachin, which provides the active ingredient for many pesticides. It deters feeding, disrupts the molting process and prevents maturation of nymphs and larvae. Common garden pests affected by azadirachin are aphids, beetles, thrips and whiteflies.
Characteristics
The neem tree is a broad-leaved evergreen that can reach heights up to 30 meters. It can live to be more than 200 years old. Its far-reaching branches can span as far as 20 meters wide. According to information provided by the Office of International Affairs (OIA), despite being an evergreen, the leaves may fall of in times of extreme drought. It produces small, white flowers that smell like honey and attract a lot of bees.
Distribution
The OIA says the neem tree makes its home in countries around the world. The neem tree is believed to be native to south and southeast Asia, along with Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It's also naturalized in at least 30 African countries but not considered an invasive species. You can also find the neem tree established in the Caribbean, Fiji, Mauritius and both Central and South America. In the United States, it survives in the climate zones of Florida, Arizona and southern California.
Fruit
Once a neem tree reaches three to five years of age, it begins to produce olive-like fruit. However, the OIA says it's not fully productive until age 10. Once mature, it can produce up to 50kg fruit a year. The ripe fruit is attractive to animals and ranges in color from yellow to greenish yellow. The seed of the fruit contains the active constituents used by people.
Pests
In their native territory, neem trees are known to be remarkably free of pests. However, in their newer, naturalized environments, they show vulnerability to insects. A sap-eating insect, onidiella orientalis, is a problem in parts of Africa. Leaf-cutting ants defoliate young neem trees in Central America and South America. The OIA reports that although the neem tree is resistant to termites, once sickened it's more susceptible to termite damage.
Medicinal History
The neem tree is historically renowned for the healing properties contained in the bark, fruits, leaves, oil and roots. The OIA says Indian Ayurvedic Medicine has employed it for thousands of years to treat millions of people. According to the University of Michigan Health System, the extracts of the bark and leaf were used for diarrhea, malaria and gastrointestinal problems.
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