Neem tree identification and a seed source wanted
C.B. Christie
Can someone clarify if the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is the same as
Melia azedarach. Some books talk loosely about them being the same but I
dont think they are as I know the Melia well and it does not fit the
description very well.
I am looking for some seed of the Neem tree, can anyone direct me to a
good source
Thanks very much
Bruce Christie
Department of Plant Science, Massey University
Palmerston North, New Zealand
email: C.B.Ch...@massey.ac.nz
C. Richter
>
>
>Can someone clarify if the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is the same as
>Melia azedarach. Some books talk loosely about them being the same but I
>dont think they are as I know the Melia well and it does not fit the
>description very well.
>
>I am looking for some seed of the Neem tree, can anyone direct me to a
>good source
Melia azedarach is known as "chinaberry"; neem is Azadirachta indica.
These are two different plants; though, chinaberry has some of the same
compunds as does neem, viz. margosine and azadirachtin.
Neem seeds are relatively easy to locate; but *viable* neem seeds ar~r
next to impossible to obtain. We've tried! The seed is very short-lived,
and India being India -- where most sources are neem seed are -- it just
has not been possible to get seeds out fast enough. I understand that the
seed is viable only 7-14 days.
Probably you best bet is to locate a stand of trees in a country where
the small package delivery services are more modern. Some neem is now
grown in the Western hemisphere, as it is, probably, in Australia and
elsewhere.
Conrad Richter
Richters Herbs
Goodwood, ON L0C 1A0
Canada
BTW, if you do locate a good source please let me know.
Bob Batson
> Can someone clarify if the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is the same as
> Melia azedarach. Some books talk loosely about them being the same but I
> dont think they are as I know the Melia well and it does not fit the
> description very well.
I THINK that Meli azedarach is just the old botanical name for the Neem
tree, and has been changed to Azadirachta indica.
>
> I am looking for some seed of the Neem tree, can anyone direct me to a
> good source
INLAND & FOREIGN TRADING CO., LTD. [CAT. FREE]
Block 79A
Indus Road #04-418/420
Singapore 0316
272-2711 or 278-2193 [telephone]
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FRUIT SPIRIT BOTANICAL GARDENS [CAT. $1]
Dorrougby, NSW 2480 [MIN. ORD. $15]
Australia
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HUROV'S TROPICAL SEEDS [CAT. $1]
P.O Box 1596
Chula Vista, CA 92012
(619) 426-0091 [TELEPHONE
U.S.A.
--------
The above sources are from _CORNUCOPIA: A Source Book of Edible Plants_ by
Stephen Facciola (ISBN 0-9628087-0-9). All sell overseas, all catalogs
are in English, and all prices listed are in U.S. denominations.
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Bob Batson
bob.b...@mtask.omahug.org
"You're only young once but you can always be immature"