Kadwa Neem Plant

Description

1. Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica

• Common Names: Kadwa Neem, Bitter Neem, Indian Lilac

• Family: Meliaceae

• Type: Evergreen medicinal tree

2. Origin & Distribution

• Native To: Indian subcontinent, particularly India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

• Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its medicinal, ornamental, and ecological value.

3. Physical Characteristics

• Height & Spread: Can grow 15–20 meters (50–65 feet) tall with a broad, spreading canopy.

• Leaves: Pinnate, bright green, and bitter in taste; young leaves are light green.

• Flowers: Small, fragrant, white flowers appearing in clusters during spring.

• Fruit: Oval, green turning to yellow upon ripening; contains a hard seed.

• Bark: Thick, rough, and grey-brown in color.

4. Growing Conditions

• Light: Requires full sunlight for optimal growth.

• Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils; prefers well-draining soil.

• Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; moderate watering during initial growth.

• Temperature: Thrives in tropical to subtropical climates; sensitive to frost.

• Humidity: Can tolerate dry to moderate humidity levels.

5. Maintenance & Care

• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or diseased branches to maintain shape.

• Fertilization: Benefits from organic compost or nitrogen-rich fertilizers during the growth phase.

• Pests/Diseases: Resistant to many pests; occasionally affected by scale insects or fungal infections.

6. Uses & Benefits

• Medicinal Value:

  • Leaves, bark, and seeds are used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine for skin ailments, fever, digestive disorders, and immunity boosting.

  • Neem oil extracted from seeds is used for skincare and hair care.

• Agricultural Uses: Acts as a natural insecticide and pesticide.

• Environmental Benefits: Provides shade, prevents soil erosion, and supports biodiversity.

• Cultural Significance: Sacred tree in India; considered purifying and protective.

7. Lifespan

• Long-lived tree, capable of thriving for several decades, often over 100 years in ideal conditions.