Neem tree [neem tree]. Commonly known as "Azadirachta indica". A fast-growing small tree in Asia. The bipinnately compound leaves are large, the flowers are fragrant, the purple is clustered, and the fruit is smooth and yellow.
I. Melia azedarach
1, deciduous tree of Meliaceae, height10m; Bark is grayish brown, widely branched, leaves are 2-3 odd pinnate compound leaves, small leaves are opposite, leaves are oval, oval to lanceolate, and the terminal ones are slightly larger. Panicles are about as long as leaves and have fragrant flowers.
2. Lobes are ovoid or oblong-ovoid, with acute apex, petals lavender, inverted ovoid spoon-shaped, puberulent on both sides, anthers inserted on the inside of lobes, alternate, ovary subglobose and glabrous.
3. There are ovules in each locule, the style is slender, the stigma is head-shaped, the drupe is spherical to oval, the endocarp is woody, and the seeds are oval. Flowering in April-May,10-65438+bearing fruit in February.
Second, the growth environment
1, born in the wilderness or roadside, often cultivated in front of the house. The plant grows rapidly in moist and fertile soil and has low requirements for soil. It can grow in acid soil, neutral soil and limestone area. It is a good afforestation tree species in plain and low altitude hilly areas, and is more suitable for planting beside villages.
2, like warm and humid climate, cold-resistant, alkali-resistant, barren-resistant. Strong adaptability. The sandy loam with deep, loose, fertile upper layer, good drainage and rich humus is suitable for cultivation.
3. Melia azedarach likes warm and humid, with abundant rainfall. The annual average temperature is 12-20, and the afforestation area is generally below 800 meters above sea level. In the hilly area about 200 meters above sea level.
Third, the distribution range.
1, distributed in the provinces south of the Yellow River in China, is relatively common; It has been widely introduced and cultivated. Widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, it is also cultivated in temperate regions.
2. India, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and tropical Oceania.
Fourth, the main value.
1, beautiful trees, beautiful branches, lilacs at the turn of spring and summer, full of fragrance; Strong smoke and dust resistance and sulfur dioxide resistance, sterilization. Suitable as street trees and street trees, it is a good greening tree species in cities and mining areas.
2. The sapwood is yellow and white, the heartwood is yellow to reddish brown, the texture is thick and beautiful, the quality is light and soft, shiny and easy to construct. It is a good material for making furniture, buildings, farm tools, boats and musical instruments.