Grow Me Instead Grow Me Instead
Skip Navigation Links

Neem Tree

Neem Tree
Photo: Colin Wilson
Invasive Plant
Neem Tree
Azadirachta indica (Syn. Melia azadirachta)
 

A large evergreen tree to some 30 m with perfumed cream flowers. Native to coastal areas of India, Burma and Sri Lanka, it is the source of Neem Oil, said to have insecticidal qualities. It is widely grown and has been planted as a street tree in Darwin. While it does not currently appear to be naturalising in Australia, it has the potential to do so.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • It suckers freely if the roots are damaged or cut and also produces seeds.
  • Prunings disposed of indiscriminately will generally form roots fairly quickly.
 
 
Grow Me Instead
 

 

Alternative Plants

Ganophyllum, Scaly Ash
Photo: Tim West
Alternative Plant Ganophyllum, Scaly Ash
Ganophyllum falcatum
Trees and Shrubs
 

This graceful, medium-sized, coastal shade tree to 10–25 m high has a dense spreading canopy and shiny dark green pinnate leaves. Numerous tiny greenish-white flowers appear on large panicles followed by smooth, ovoid, edible orangered fleshy fruits from December through to February. It prefers ample moisture and is ideal for street and park plantings, larger blocks and rural properties. It is a noted indigenous calendar plant with flowering signalling the onset of the wet season. A pantropic species, it also has many indigenous uses in the tropical regions.

Milkwood
Photo: Tim West
Alternative Plant Milkwood
Alstonia actinophylla
Trees and Shrubs
 

An iconic, evergreen, native tree that is prominent in bushland around Darwin. It is moderately fast-growing and can reach 10–15 m in height. It has narrow leaves with an attractive corky bark and an open spreading crown. Its light green leaves are arranged in whorls from which long stalks of small cream-green, sweetly scented flowers are produced. This handsome, hardy, stable shade tree is ideal for street or avenue planting, parks, larger blocks and rural properties. It has several indigenous uses including medicinal.

Mimusops, Red Coondoo
Photo: J.M.Garg
Alternative Plant Mimusops, Red Coondoo
Mimusops elengi
Trees and Shrubs
 

A large spreading tree ranging in height from 2 to 16 m that is endemic to northern regions of Australia including the NT. It has a dark fissured trunk and medium-sized glossy green leaves. It produces white flowers from January to September, which later develop into edible, fleshy orange-red fruits. In the garden, it will develop into a large shade tree.

 
Grow Me Instead