Semambu (Neem)

Azadirachta indica

Family: Meliaceae

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as margosa, neem, nim tree, or Indian lilac, is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and to parts of Southeast Asia, but is naturalized and grown around the world in tropical and subtropical areas. Its fruits and seeds are the source of neem oil.

Margosa fruit, seeds, leaves, stems, and bark contain diverse phytochemicals, some of which were first discovered in azadirachta seed extracts, such as azadirachtin established in the 1960s as an insect antifeedant, growth disruptor, and insecticide. Margosa leaves are dried in India and placed in cupboards to prevent insects from eating the clothes, and also in tins where rice is stored.