A Neem Tree
In the world, it has been believed by many scientists that neem is a cure for many large numbers of diseases. This is due to the reason that the neem plant system has a wide range of medicinal properties and has been extensively used among the people in villages. Known by its scientific name, Azadirachta indica, this plant can be found in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide. It can also be seen in neighboring countries, such as Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
The scientific name Azadirachta indica has been derived from the Persian language that means a “free tree”.
Diagram of a Neem Plant
Belonging to the Mahogany family, the neem plant is also well-known for producing high-quality timber and pesticides. This article will focus on all the specifications of the neem tree root system along with its benefits and uses in-depth. So, let’s dive into all the details of this most useful medicinal herb: The Neem.
Table of Contents
Specifications of the Neem Plant
Neem trees can grow upto a certain height limit of 15-20 meters. However, when the climatic and temperature changes are favorable, this tree can also extend upto 40 meters in length. The amazing thing about a neem tree is that it can grow and nourish well in all seasons. Only once in a drought month, this plant tends to shed its leaves. Talking about its flowers, they are bisexual and it produces yellow or purple colored fruits when the plant gets matured. The fruits of the neem tree may have multiple seeds inside them. Apart from its colorful flowers, its leaves are also known for their huge medicinal value. The leaves of the neem tree are pinnate, have dark green leaflets which are usually 20-30 meters long. The neem tree grows quickly and thrives in areas with barely 18 inches of rain per year. The longevity of a neem tree is 120 to 200 years.
Neem Tree Root System
The root system of the neem tree is a taproot. This taproot developed from a germinating embryo. The main root of the neem tree is the primary root, further extending out its branches, known as Secondary and Tertiary roots. The secondary and tertiary roots are spread horizontally or laterally and these roots are very strong and thick. Talking about the primary root, it extends directly into the soil. One great thing about its primary root is that it can grow twice the length of the neem tree and it absorbs a great amount of water and minerals from within the soil. Thus, these well-known properties make the neem tree grow in all the unfavorable conditions and is quite a low maintenance plant to grow.
Neem Tree Root System
The Neem tree’s root system is broad, thus it needs a massive surface area to grow. As previously stated, the primary root of the Neem tree may grow twice as long as the tree’s size, making it potentially hazardous to buildings around due to the tree’s powerful roots. As a result, it’s critical to maintain a significant gap across the tree and the structures. By erecting subterranean concrete walls as boundaries, the expanding roots will be unable to reach surrounding structures. Also, growing the Neem Tree in small locations, such as backyards, is not recommended. The location of tree seedlings is also extremely important for the good growth of Neem tree roots. It is possible to grow tree seedlings much further down from the surface of the ground so that their roots are not constricted or prevented from reaching their full development.
What are Some Medicinal Properties of the Neem Trees?
Neem Bark
Neem tree has been demonstrated to offer magical abilities to people who have used its products to treat their maladies for centuries, and now physicians from all over the globe recognize this truth. This natural treatment is a godsend to mankind in the era of chemicals. Here, in this section, we will look over what parts of a neem tree are useful to people from all over the world and how!
- Extraction of the Oil: Neem oil is prepared by crushing the oil-rich neem shells, which are mostly recognized by organic farmers in the United States. It’s also a beneficial insects repellent, and it’s commonly found in shampoos, soaps, lotions, and other beauty products. Moreover, the oil works well as a fungicide against downy mildew, blemish, and sooty fungus. The oil is useful against a wide number of pests, including the following:
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Fungus gnats
- Whiteflies.
2. Bark: Even though its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics make it an effective therapy for gum disease in oral liquid form, neem bark isn’t generally utilized by scientists. The Indigenous population used to chew the twigs or barks of the neem tree, which functioned as good emergency toothbrushes. Glue is usually made from the sticky bark resin of a neem tree.
3. Flowers: The neem tree is well-known for its fragrant scent, which honeybees adore. It’s also known for its relaxing properties.
4. Wood: Neem is a rapidly growing tree that can withstand drought and poor cultivation conditions. As a result, in several frost-free parts of the world, the timber of the neem tree is a valuable supply of clean-burning fuelwood.
5. Cake: The pulpy stuff left over when the oil has been collected from the seeds is referred to as “cake.” It is regarded as good fertilizer and mulch, and it’s frequently used to keep illnesses like mildew and rust at bay. It is occasionally used as cattle feed also.
Benefits of a Neem Tree
Neem Tree Leaves
- Scientists have discovered that A. indica or neem plant inhibits the biological reactions generated by the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in human bodies.
- Neem is used to treat pimples, psoriasis, athlete’s foot, dermatitis, ringworm, blisters on the skin, as well as scalp dandruff.
- As a result, it can be found in many skin creams and shampoos. High-quality essential neem oil can also be used to treat skin disorders.
- In Indian families, neem leaves are historically used in cabinets to keep cloth-eating pests or moths away from their clothes.
- The juice derived from Neem leaves is thought to have antioxidant properties and to aid in blood purification.
- Neem can fight both exterior and interior parasites.
- Neem can slow down tumor development.
Did You Know?
For 4500 years, the neem tree has been serving as a great medicine to the Indian subcontinent natives and other people of the world as well. People who utilized this plant for its medicinal value were seen in Harapan civilization. The natives used to gather neem leaves from the sites of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa in Western and Northern India.
