NEEM TREE
- The neem tree is a slow-growing tree with
an often crooked trunk, native to India. It is found largely
in Africa, South Asia and has been recently introduced to Central
America and the Caribbean. The neem tree does well in subhumid
to semiarid conditions without irrigation and very little rainfall.
One of the world's largest plantations is in Saudi Arabia, where
approximately 50,000 trees have been planted on the Plains of
Arafat.
- The tree has long been known for its insecticidal properties;
the extracts from the neem control over 250 pests, including
whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, mites, and termites. Neem also
can protect several ornamental and food crops against fungus
diseases such as rusts and powdery mildew that attack leaves.
- W.R. Grace has tried to patent some neem byproducts. A coalition
of 200 non-governmental organizations from 40 countries has filed
suit in protest, fearing that the patents would put pest control
costs out of reach for farmers who are now using the extracts
in underdeveloped nations.
- Height 20-60 feet.