Neem Tree and China Berry

Neem Tree

Azadirachta indica
A spreading, semi-evergreen tree, reaching up to 50 x 80 feet, that is native from India to far southern China.
The pinnate leaves, up to 16 inches in length, are composed of 9 to 17 toothed, ovate leaflets, up to 3 x 1.2 inches in size. The foliage is glossy deep green above, pale green beneath.
The white flowers are borne on panicles up to 10 inches long.
The dark gray bark flakes off to reveal reddish bark beneath.
Hardy zones 10 to 11 in full sun to partial shade on deep sandy soil.

Related Plants

Melia azadarach ( Chinaberry )
A fast growing, rounded, medium-sized to large, deciduous tree, that is native to India and China. It has also naturalized in the U.S., where it is invasive in parts of the southeast. It is frequently planted in southern Europe where it has naturalized in the Balkans. Some records include: largest on record - 150 x 50 ( rarely over 50 in the U.S. ) feet with a trunk diameter of 9.7 feet. Moderately long-lived, trees as old as 400 years are known.
The leaves, up to 2 feet in length are composed of many toothed, ovate or elliptical leaflets up to 2 inches in length. The foliage is glossy deep green above, pale green beneath; turning to greenish-yellow during autumn.
The fragrant, lavender flowers, up to 0.7 inches, are borne on panicles up to 16 inches in length, during late spring.
They are followed by yellow, rounded fruits, up to 0.6 inches across, that are long persistent, lasting through the winter. The birds attract birds and animals.
The lightly furrowed bark is dark gray. The timber is of surprisingly high quality.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 in full sun. It is very heat and drought tolerant and makes a great shade tree for tough urban sites.

* historical archive photos

'Umbraculiformis' ( Texas Umbrella Tree )
Smaller growing, with a compact, broad crown. It reaches a maximum height of 20 feet.

* historical archive photo