Did you peek out at the greenery outside your window this morning? Or glance at the tree beside your bus stand while waiting for the bus to take you to work?
Chances are, your answer might be “maybe… not sure.” But if you did, you may have noticed that in many parts of the Indian Subcontinent, that tree is often the evergreen neem — a quiet giant and a favourite among city dwellers. You’ll find neem trees almost everywhere, except at higher elevations. Much like many Bengalis (myself included), neem prefers to enjoy the snow from afar, happily thriving below 700–800 meters.
But have you ever wondered where the name “neem” came from? Someone, somewhere, must have had a reason for choosing it. According to some ancient texts, “nimba” in certain languages represented a union of “mental and physical wellness.” And doesn’t that make sense? Whether it’s the light breeze through neem leaves on a summer day, neem bark oil on sore knees, or a mix of crushed neem leaves and potatoes in the winter, the wellness properties of neem are widely known and cherished.
Neem’s scientific name, Azadirachta indica, also has an interesting backstory — but I’ll save that for another day.
Neem: Not Just for Humans
So, is neem only good for human health? What about its impact on other living beings — or even non-living things like soil and water?
Nature never creates anything for the benefit of just one species. Everything it creates plays a role in the larger ecosystem, and neem is no different.
Neem contributes significantly to carbon sequestration, which is more important now than ever in the face of climate change. In urban areas — where emissions from vehicles, waste burning, and other human activities are high — neem helps absorb carbon from the air. Among Indian urban trees, neem stands out with its sturdy structure, dense foliage, and fast growth rate. It’s also remarkably resilient. In parts of Africa facing desertification, neem plantations have been introduced to stop the desert from swallowing up villages and farmland. These plantations help maintain greenery and support crops like maize (from dust storms/wind breaks), even leading to improved yields and monetary benefits.
Neem and Wildlife
But what about animals? How do they benefit from neem?
Let me ask you this — on your day off, could you spend 15 minutes just watching a neem tree?
If you do, you might be surprised. You may see sunbirds fluttering around the neem flowers, chasing the bees that come to collect nectar. You might spot a spotted dove or even an owl — like the adorable spotted owlet—resting quietly in the upper branches, taking shelter from the sun and avoiding noisy crows. If you’re lucky, you may discover a nest tucked between the leaves — possibly a sparrow’s. Thanks to neem’s anti-parasitic properties, it helps keep the nests free from parasites. And this is just the beginning. A single tree — or a single tree species — can be a hub of ecological activity. It exists not just for the value we assign to it, but for its irreplaceable role in the ecosystem.
Rethinking Value
Today, neem oil and other neem-based products form a global market worth over 20 billion US dollars. But often, we focus only on its commercial or medicinal uses, either by consuming it directly or commodifying it.
In truth, neem’s value goes far beyond that. Its ecological role — its quiet work in balancing nature — is something we rarely talk about. As a researcher, I found that while writing this article, most of the references I came across were about neem products for human use. Only a few mentioned its role in sustaining ecosystems.
So, the next time you step out, take a moment. Look around. Find that neem tree in your neighbourhood. Watch. Observe.
You might be surprised at what you discover.
About the author: Arkajyoti Shome is
