Meliaceae

Azadirachta indica

Common Names: Neem tree

Plant Form: medium to large tree. Size: Usually up to 15 m but can grow up to 40 m tall. Stem: Reddish brown, cracking and flaking trunk. Leaves: Compound of 20-30 toothed leaflets giving jagged edged appearance. On opposite sides (pinnate). Flowers: White flowers about 5 mm long, in drooping clusters. Fruit and Seeds: Elongated, smooth, olive-like stone fruit to about 3 cm long. Habitat: Seasonally dry tropical woodlands, roadsides, waterways. Distinguishing Features: White flowers compared to purple or lilac of lookalike native White cedar (Melia azedarach). Impacts: Outcompetes and replaces native species.