Azadirachta indica A. Juss. | |
Meliaceae | |
Vembu | |
| Botanical Name | Azadirachta indica A. Juss. |
| Synonyms | Melia azadirachta L.; Antelaea azadirachta. (L.) Adelbert |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Common Name | English : Neem Trees / Tamil : Vembu |
| Distribution | Global : India, Indo-Malesia Indian : Throughout India |
| Description | Deciduous tree up to 20m tall, Bark brownish grey fissured, Leaves odd- or even- pinnate, leaflets 7 pairs, subopposite, oblong lanceolate. Inflorescence - axillary panicles. Flowers pentamerous, bisexual. Calyx- lobes 5, ovate, ciliolate, connate at base. Petals 5, white, free, oblong – obovate, attenuate at base, tomentose, imbricate. Staminal tube - 4 mm, Stamens 10; anthers exserted, opposite to lobes, sessile. Ovary 3- celled; ovules 2 per cell, Style short, stigma terete, 3- lobed. Drupe oblong-ovoid, seed solitary, ellipsoid. |
| Flowering Fruiting period | April / June - August |
| Uses | Tree used as timber, Leaves used as pesticides, repellent and fertilizer |
| Medicinal Uses | Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Antidiabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, Neuroprotective. |
| Tamil Name | Vembu |
