Azadirachta indica aka Neem

Taxonomy

Genus Azadirachta Family Meliaceae Order Sapindales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Azadirachta indica, also known as neem, nimtree, or Indian lilac, is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is a species in the genus Azadirachta and is native to the northeast of the Indian subcontinent and Indochina but has been naturalized and grown worldwide in tropical and subtropical areas. Neem is a Hindustani noun derived from the Sanskrit word "nimba." Neem trees are sacred in their native land. The neem tree is typically grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions, and its fruits and seeds are the source of neem oil. It is a medium-sized evergreen tree that grows to be 50-75 feet tall with a dense, round to oval crown. The compound pinnate leaves have 8-18 serrated medium to dark green leaflets, and fragrant white flowers bloom in drooping panicles up to 10 inches long in the spring. Neem is a super rare houseplant that is easy to grow and requires very little water to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Neem belongs to the Azadirachta genus and is native to India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Common names

Neem, Neem Tree

How to care for Neem

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Neem due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Neem does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Lighting

Neem thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Neem.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Neem’s native range is E. Asia - India, Bagladesh, Myanmar.

More info:
Wikipedia

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