Neem in 6″ Pot

A fast-growing, evergreen tree 15–20 m (49–66 ft) tall, occasionally 30–40 m (100–130 ft), with a broad, dense, roundish crown 20–25 m across and a straight trunk 30–90 cm diameter. Bark is moderately thick, fissured, grey-brown with reddish inner bark. In very dry seasons it may briefly shed many leaves. Leaves are alternate, imparipinnate, 20–40 cm (8–16 in) long, bunched at branch tips; each leaf has 20–30 (usually 7–17) medium to dark green, glossy, lanceolate leaflets 3–8 cm (1¼–3¼ in) long with serrated margins and asymmetrical bases; terminal leaflet often missing; petioles short. Flowers are small, fragrant, white to creamy, 5–6 mm long × 8–11 mm wide, borne in drooping axillary panicles up to 25 cm (10 in) long with 250–300 flowers; both bisexual and male flowers occur on the same tree (protandrous). Fruit is a smooth, olive-like drupe, 1.4–2.8 cm × 1.0–1.5 cm, green ripening yellow, with thin skin, bitter-sweet yellowish-white fibrous pulp, and a hard endocarp enclosing 1 (rarely 2–3) elongated brown seeds (kernels) rich in oil (azadirachtin and other limonoids).

Quick care & ecology: thrives in hot, dry tropical/subtropical climates (USDA 10–12). Extremely drought-tolerant, prefers annual rainfall 400–1,200 mm but can survive on less with groundwater; tolerates poor, stony, shallow, even slightly acidic or alkaline soils (pH 6–7.5). Requires full sun and good drainage—cannot stand waterlogging. Fast growth; begins fruiting at 3–5 years, productive by 10–12 years, can live >200 years. Deep lateral roots (up to 15 m) make it useful for windbreaks, shade, erosion control, and reforestation. Propagated by fresh seed (germination 55% in 1–2 weeks) or cuttings. Generally pest-free; birds/bats disperse fruit and can make it weedy in favorable sites. Uses: neem oil (from seeds) as biopesticide, medicinal extracts (leaves, bark, seeds) for skin, dental, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial uses; timber, firewood, green manure; twigs used as toothbrushes in India. Caution: extracts can be toxic to fish/aquatic life; seeds/oil not for internal consumption in quantity.