Neem (Indian Neem), part of the Meliaceae or mahogany family, goes by the botanical name Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Previously, it had multiple names and was occasionally grouped with its kin by certain botanists. Consequently, older literature can be perplexing, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact species under discussion.

Earlier botanical designations included Melia indica and M. azadirachta. However, confusion arose between the latter name (as well as neem itself) and M. azedarach, a tree from West Asia often called Persian lilac, bakain, dharak, or chinaberry. The taxonomy of these closely linked species is intricate, leading some botanists to identify up to 15 species while others recognize as few as 2.

Further information on Indian Neem can be found here.

Photos taken on 19.11.2024.