Melia dubia

Melia dubia, commonly known as Malabar Neem, Maha Neem, Gora Neem, or Barma Dhek, is one of the most important industrial tree species that has rapidly expanded in the Indian subcontinent in recent decades. It belongs to the family Meliaceae and is widely cultivated for its industrial and medicinal qualities.^[1][2]

Melia dubia
Rajasthani women putting fertiliser to a Melia dubia plant
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Meliaceae
Genus:	Melia
Species:	M. dubia
Binomial name
Melia dubia Cav.
Synonyms
Melia composita Willd.

Taxonomy

Melia dubia belongs to the family Meliaceae, within the genus Melia.^[3]

Distribution

Melia dubia is considered one of the most important industrial tree species in India because of its rapid growth and versatile applications. Its wood is extensively used in the plywood industry, in the manufacture of furniture, for pulp and paper production, and increasingly as a source of bioenergy.^[4]

Description

Leaves of Melia dubia

Melia dubia is a fast-growing tree that can attain a height of 6 to 30 metres. It has a spreading crown and a straight bole that may reach up to 10 metres in length. The species is supported by a tap root system. The tree is highly adaptable and drought tolerant, capable of growing in a variety of soil types ranging from deep fertile sandy loam to shallow gravelly soils.^[3]

Uses

Industrial

Melia dubia is considered one of the most important industrial tree species in India because of its rapid growth and versatile applications. Its wood is extensively used in the plywood industry, in the manufacture of furniture, for pulp and paper production, and increasingly as a source of bioenergy.^[5]

Medicinal

Apart from its industrial value, Melia dubia has been traditionally recognised for its medicinal properties. It is said to possess anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and fungicidal activities. These properties have made it significant in the treatment of various ailments in traditional medicine.^[6]