Philippine neem tree, Marrango tree, Chinaberry
Azadirachta excelsa

Family: Meliaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows to 50 m high. The trunk is 1.2 m across. The bark is smooth. It is cracked and scaly in large trees. The crown is rounded. The leaves fall off. The leaves are 20-60 or more cm long. There are 7-11 pairs of leaflets. The leaves are condensed at the ends of twigs. The leaflets are 4-12.5 cm long by 2-3.5 cm wide. They are largest near the middle. The edges of the leaves do not have teeth. The flowering cluster is 20-45 cm long. They are in the axils of leaves. They are erect. The flowers have a sweet smell. The petals are pale cream or white. The fruit is 2.4-32. cm long by 1.3-1.6 cm wide. They turn yellow at maturity. The seeds smell of garlic when crushed.

There are 2 Azadirachta species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows between sea level and 350 m above sea level. It grows in areas with an average annual rainfall of 1,600-3,000 mm. It grows in areas with an average temperature of 21-34°C. It can grow on a range of soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Brunei, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed.

Its other names

Local names

Pohon kayu bawang, Rangu, Saurian, Sentang

Synonyms

Melia excelsa Jack; and others