Common Name: Neem
Vernacular Name: വേപ്പ്
Systematic position:
Class- Magnoliopsida
Subclass- Rosidae
Order- Sapindales
Family- Meliaceae
Genus- Azadirachta
Species- A. indica
Description: Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15–20 m, and rarely 35–40 m. It is deciduous, shedding many of its leaves during the dry winter months. The opposite, pinnate leaves are 20–40 cm long, with 20 to 30 medium to dark green leaflets about 3–8 cm. The terminal leaflet often is missing. The petioles are short. White and fragrant flowers are arranged in more-or-less drooping axillary panicles. Protandrous, bisexual flowers and male flowers exist on the same individual tree. The fruit is a smooth, olive-like drupe that varies in shape from elongate oval to nearly roundish.
Flowering and Fruiting: September to February.
Economic Importance: Neem leaves are dried in India and placed in cupboards to prevent insects eating the clothes, and also in tins where rice is stored . It is a natural medicine, pesticide, and fertilizer. Neem extracts can be used against hundreds of pests and fungal diseases that attack food crops.