The neem tree is native to tropical South-East Asia where it is recognized as an important medicinal plant. As it grows quickly and is extremely drought resistant, it has been cultivated for a long time in the arid zones of Asia, Africa and Central America as a source of timber. In India and Sri Lanka, its seeds and leaves are used for store pest control and oil is extracted from the seeds for the production of soap. Both the cold pressed neem oil and the oil-free part of the seed kernel can be used for pest control. The leaves of the neem tree also contain insecticidal and repellent substances although in much lower concentrations.
