Neem Plant

Plant Description:

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem, is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is widely valued in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, organic agriculture, and natural pest control due to its diverse range of bioactive compounds.

The seeds of the Neem tree are processed to produce Neem oil, a natural insecticide that contains Azadirachtin, a compound known to disrupt insect growth and reproduction. Neem oil is commonly used in horticulture as a broad-spectrum pest deterrent.

The solid byproduct of oil extraction, known as Neem cake, is often applied to soil as a natural fertilizer and to suppress root-borne pests and diseases. In addition to its pesticidal properties, Neem cake also improves soil fertility and microbial activity.

Neem is well-suited to warm climates and thrives in full sun when mature with well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can be grown in containers or directly in the ground in frost-free areas in New Zealand. 

Expected plant height = 30 cm