ຂົມກະເດົາ ( Neem, Neem Tree, nimtree)

Antelaea azadirachta (L.) Adelb.
Antelaea canescens Cels
Antelaea canescens Cels ex Heynh.
Antelaea javanica Gaertn.
Azadirachta indica subsp. vartakii Kothari, Londhe & N.P.Singh
Azadirachta indica var. minor Valeton
Azadirachta indica var. siamensis Valeton
Azedarach deleteria Medik.
Azedarach fraxinifolia Moench
Melia azadirachta L.
Melia fraxinifolia Salisb.
Melia hasskarlii K.Koch
Melia indica (A.Juss.) Brandis
Melia japonica Hassk.
Melia parviflora Moon
Melia pinnata Stokes

Meliaceae

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as the neem tree, is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows between 15 and 30 metres tall. Its bark is medium in thickness, dark grey on the outside and reddish on the inside. As the tree ages, it often develops deep cracks and rough patches.
The leaves of the neem tree grow alternately along the branches, meaning they’re spaced out rather than directly across from one another. They tend to cluster at the ends of the branches and are light green in colour. Each leaf can be 20 to 40 centimetres long and has a petiole (the stalk connecting the leaf to the branch) that measures 2 to 7 centimetres. Each leaf consists of 8 to 19 smaller leaflets, which are arranged in a unique pattern: the first few leaflets alternate, while those further out tend to sit opposite each other. These leaflets vary in shape from oval (like an egg) to long and narrow, measuring about 3.5 to 10 centimetres long and 1.2 to 4 centimetres wide.
The neem tree produces clusters of flowers known as inflorescences, specifically in a formation called a thyrsus, which can be up to 30 centimetres long. These flower clusters grow in the spaces between the leaves and branches, have five petals, and are typically white or pale yellow, giving off a light sweet fragrance.
The tree’s fruit is a drupe, which means it has a fleshy outer layer surrounding one or sometimes two seeds. These fruits are ellipsoidal (oval-shaped), measuring about 1 to 2 centimetres long. When unripe, they are greenish, but as they ripen, they turn yellowish-green or yellow.
Source: [4]

Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand. This species is native to Myanmar, northern India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia and Lao PDR [6]
Global distribution between 2002 to 2024. Source: [5]

Vientiane Plain
Northern Annamites
Lower Annamites
Southern Mekong Corridor

Evergreen forest
Mixed deciduous forest
Dry dipterocarp forest

Native

Not invasive

Least concern

None

Food
Medicine
Shelter
Tools and utensils
Energy and lighting
Farming activities

Fuel: The neem tree serves as an important source of fuel, providing firewood that can be used for cooking and heating. Its wood burns well and is often harvested sustainably from plantations, making it a valuable resource in rural communities. Food: The flowers of the neem tree are edible and can be collected and consumed as a vegetable. Additionally, the seeds can be processed into cakes that serve as a nutritious addition to livestock feed, showcasing the tree's role in food systems. Fodder: Neem leaves and seeds are commonly used as fodder for livestock, providing essential nutrients. The powdered seed cakes can be used not only as fertiliser but also as a feed supplement, enhancing animal health and productivity. Timber: The wood of the neem tree is utilised for making tool handles, doors, and furniture, though it is not typically used for large-scale construction. Its durability and workability make it a preferred choice in various carpentry applications. Tool: Wood from the neem tree is often crafted into handles for agricultural tools, taking advantage of its strength and resilience. This makes it an essential material for artisans and craftsmen in regions where the tree is abundant. Source: [6]

Wild

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N/A

N/A

N/A

Nutrient	/100g	Remark
Proteins	N/A	N/A
Carbohydrates	N/A	N/A
Fats	N/A	N/A
Vitamins	N/A	N/A
Minerals	N/A	N/A
Fibers	N/A	N/A

Flowers of the neem tree. [1] iNaturalist [Online]. Uploaded on 1 July 2020 by: O. Martinez. Available: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/53194781. [Accessed: 26 August 2024]
Fruit of the neem tree. [2] iNaturalist [Online]. Uploaded on 5 May 2022 by: ijeez. Available: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/115551363. [Accessed: 26 August 2024]
Grown neem tree. [3] iNaturalist [Online]. Uploaded on 23 August 2023 by: S. Udayraj. Available: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/179780424. [Accessed: 26 August 2024]

[4] World Agroforestry, “Azadirachta indica,” [Online]. Available: https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Azadirachta_indica.PDF. [Accessed: 26 August 2024]
[5] Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), “Picea abies,” [Online]. Available: https://www.gbif.org/species/3190474/treatments. [Accessed: 26 August 2024]
[6] International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, “Acanthophoenix crinita,” [Online]. Available: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/61793521/61793525. [Accessed: 26 August 2024]
[7] World Agroforestry, “Azadirachta indica,” [Online]. Available: https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Azadirachta_indica.PDF. [Accessed: 26 August 2024]