|
Up |
| Azadirachta
indica |
Neen tree |
Meliaceae |
Neem has a
single very deep tap root and an extensive secondary root system,
allowing it to access nutrients from poor soils and able to take water
from deep in the soil so that it is able to survive in very dry
conditions.
Resin tapped from the bark provides a gum commonly used as a glue.
Neem timber has been shown to be rot and insect-resistant. The neem
trees wide strong branches produces excellent firewood.
Daily, millions of people brush their teeth with Neem twigs. Dentists
confirm that this practice guards against periodontal disease.
A paste made from the leaves has been found to successfully treat skin
lesions. And small portions of leaves mixed with regular feed seem to
affect intestinal parasites in livestock.
The neem tree has a small bisexual flower colored purple which
attracts bees resulting in the well known Neem Honey.
The neem tree can produce up to 50 kg of olive-like fruit per year
from which an antiseptic soap can be made.
The seed has an active ingredient which acts as a pesticide,
insecticide and even fungicide. Neem oil is clean burning and safe for
use in local villages. Neem cake (the residue from pressing the seeds)
is also found to be excellent fertilizer, outperforming farm manure
and sewage sludge.
The neem tree normally starts flowering and producing fruit a after 3
to 5 years and will reach full production at 10 years.Neem trees can
live for 200 years. |
  |
|
Country of Origin: India zone 11, 12
Extraction Method: Steam distilled from seeds . |
Omega-6 Linoleic acid 6-16%
Omega-9 Oleic acid 25-54%
Palmitic acid Hexadecanoic acid 16-33%
Stearic acid Octadecanoic acid 9-24%
Neem oil is generally light to dark brown, bitter and has a rather strong
odour that is said to combine the odours of peanut and garlic. It comprises
mainly triglycerides and large amounts of triterpenoid compounds, which are
responsible for the bitter taste. It is hydrophobic in nature and in order to
emulsify it in water for application purposes, it must be formulated with
appropriate surfactants. |
| |
|
