Azadirachta indica

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Azadirachta indica

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is typically grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions.

Pronunciation

Azadirachta indica: /ˌæzəˈdɪræktə ˈɪndɪkə/

Etymology

The genus name 'Azadirachta' is derived from the Persian 'Azad dirakht', which means 'free tree'. 'Indica' refers to the tree's origin in India.

Description

Azadirachta indica is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15–20 metres, and rarely 35–40 metres. Its leaves are pinnate with 20 to 31 medium to dark green leaflets about 3 to 8 cm long. The flowers are white and fragrant while the fruit is a smooth, olive-like drupe.

Uses

Azadirachta indica has been used in Ayurveda for more than two millennia for its medicinal properties. It is considered a major component in Ayurvedic medicine and is particularly prescribed for skin diseases. Neem leaves are also used in storage of grains.

Related Terms

  • Meliaceae: The mahogany family, to which Azadirachta indica belongs.
  • Ayurveda: A system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent.
  • Drupe: An indehiscent fruit in which an outer fleshy part surrounds a single shell of hardened endocarp with a seed inside.

External links

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