the neem tree has caught the attention of gardeners in recent years for the benefits of its oil, a safe and effective herbicide. however, that's just the beginning of the story. this versatile plant, native to tropical india and asia, is a valuable tree with many uses. neem is a hardy tree that can tolerate temperatures up to 50 c. neem tree is a tall evergreen tree with small bright green leaves. the colour of the bark is brown grayish. the leaves are alternate and consist of several leaflets with serrated edges.