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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. |
