Neem Tree History
Neem tree or Neem is also popularly known as the Nimba tree, Indian lilac, miracle tree and by many other names. The Scientific name of the neem tree is Azadirachta indica. It is one of the fastest-growing trees and can reach a height of about 90-98 ft and sometimes 131 ft and its diameter may reach about 66–82 ft. It is an evergreen, deep-rooted, perennial tree found throughout the dry regions of South Asia. This tree has a woody thick furrowed bark, attractive rounded crowns, evergreen and broad compound leaves, small fragrant, white and bisexual flowers and a small, smooth, yellow-green fruit with a sweet-flavoured pulp.
Neem trees are quickly grown from their seeds and can also be propagated from cuttings or root suckers. The neem tree is very similar in appearance to the Chinaberry tree. The plant is resilient and grows well in poor and rocky soils. Neem is usually produced from seed but can be propagated from cuttings or root suckers. Neem can tolerate a wide variety of environmental conditions other than freezing temperatures.
Taxonomic Classification of Neem
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Spermatophyta
Subphylum: Angiospermae
Class: Dicotyledonae
Order: Rutales
Family: Meliaceae
Genus: Azadirachta
Species: Azadirachta indica
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What is Scientific Name?
The set of unique names given by scientists are called the Scientific Names. This Scientific Name or nomenclature is mainly given to every recognized living species on earth and is mainly based on the specific set of rules.
The Scientific names of a living species include a two-name system called a Binomial Naming System or Binomial Nomenclature. All the scientific names usually come from Latin or Greek. There are various animals, plants and other species worldwide that are superficially similar in many ways. In order to avoid confusion, scientists have introduced this system of nomenclature, where two names are given to the single species that represent its generic name and the other its specific epithet.
There are many rules which need to be followed while naming a living species.
For example– The Scientific Name of the Neem tree is Azadirachta indica or A.indica.
Azadirachta is a Genus name Indica is a Species name
Here, Azadirachta refers to the large semi-evergreen tree of the East Indies, with a trunk that emits a sticky gum, bitter bark and seeds with medicinal benefits. Indica mainly refers to the short stem, broad leaves and grown primarily for use in drugs.
Significance of Neem tree
Neem trees are cultivated and utilized as a multipurpose tree. Nearly all parts of the neem tree are useful. In many areas, neem is considered a weed and based on its antimicrobial resistance and other antifungal properties, they are also used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Other applications of neem include:
- Neem oil and neem barks are used as an insect repellent.
- Neem is also used as the main component in some toothpaste and mouthwashes.
- Neem is commonly used in shampoos for treating dandruff and in soaps or creams for skin allergies and infections.
- In some parts of the country, the young twigs are used directly as crude toothbrushes.
- Neem leaves have been used as a traditional treatment for diabetes, and there is some clinical evidence suggesting that it may help control blood sugar levels.
Stay tuned with BYJU’S to learn more about the Scientific name of the neem tree and other living species and other related topics at BYJU’S Biology.
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