Neem Tree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Neem Tree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Azedarach excelsa
• Melia excelsa
• Azadirachta integrifoliola

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Sapindales, it is classified under the family Meliaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Azadirachta.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions in Southeast Asia. Within the Indo-China region, it can be found naturally in Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its presence extends further into the Malesia zone, specifically across the island of Borneo. Additionally, the species is well-distributed throughout the Malay Peninsula. Together, these locations highlight the plant's significant ecological reach throughout the tropics.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Azadirachta excelsa is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through many growing seasons. Throughout its lifespan, the plant exhibits a deciduous growth habit, meaning it undergoes a period of seasonal leaf shedding. This lifecycle allows the plant to undergo distinct phases of vegetative growth and dormancy, adapting to the environmental cycles of its natural habitat over many years.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Azadirachta excelsa is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree. It is a terrestrial species, rather than an epiphyte, and exhibits a self-supporting structure without the need for climbing. This tree can reach substantial dimensions in the wild, with a mean plant height of approximately 40 m and a maximum height that can extend up to 50 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Plant height max:

50 m

Plant height mean:

40 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Azadirachta excelsa is characterized by its robust metabolic processes and highly adapted survival mechanisms suited for tropical environments. As a large evergreen tree, it maintains a continuous photosynthetic cycle, utilizing specialized leaf structures to optimize carbon fixation and gas exchange. Its nutrient acquisition strategies are primarily driven by an extensive root system designed for efficient water uptake and mineral absorption from the soil. Regarding its symbiotic capabilities, the species is not a nitrogen fixer; it does not possess the specialized root nodules required to host nitrogen-fixing bacteria for the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, meaning it relies entirely on the availability of nitrogen within the soil substrate. The plant's secondary metabolism is particularly notable for the synthesis of complex bioactive compounds, which are physiologically integrated into its tissues as defense mechanisms against herbivory and pathogens.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

Reproduction in Azadirachta excelsa involves the production of seeds that serve as the primary unit for dispersal and subsequent germination. The reproductive output is characterized by a highly consistent seed morphology, as indicated by the specific mass metrics of the species. The seed mass is uniform across observed samples, with a mean, maximum, and minimum value all recorded at exactly 1.92 g. This precise seed mass of 1.92 g suggests a stabilized reproductive strategy regarding the energy investment per individual seed, which plays a critical role in the plant's ability to establish new individuals within its ecological niche.

Seed mass mean:

1.92 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Azadirachta excelsa has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include seed, stem.

Seed

1. Journal of natural products

Stem

1. Phytochemistry

Chemicals

Azadirachta excelsa has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 11Alpha-Azadirachtin H, 11beta-Azadirachtin H, 2,3-dihydronimbolide, 28-Deoxonimbolide, Azadirachtol.

11Alpha-Azadirachtin H

1. Journal of natural products

11beta-Azadirachtin H

1. Journal of natural products

2,3-dihydronimbolide

1. Phytochemistry

28-Deoxonimbolide

1. Phytochemistry

Azadirachtol

1. Journal of natural products

Nimbolide

1. Phytochemistry

azadirachtin B

1. Journal of natural products

azadirachtin L

1. Journal of natural products

azadirachtin M

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Azadirachta excelsa has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include seed kernels, stem extract.

Seed kernels

1. Journal of natural products

Stem extract

1. Phytochemistry