Why We Love It: If there were a Swiss Army knife of plants, it might be the neem tree of India (Azadirachta indica). Introduced to this country 100 years ago, neem was noted for its fast-growing habit and useful properties. Neem fruits “furnish a medicinal oil and its sap is made into a cooling drink,” David Fairchild reported in 1921 in his role as agricultural explorer in charge of the Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction. Its oil is effective against pests like whiteflies and aphids and is also a fungicide; honeybees love its flowers; twigs make effective toothbrushes because of the bark’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
When Mike and Torri Taunton discovered they had neem trees growing in their Homestead backyard, he made soap and she made hair care products and lotion in their kitchen. “All the benefits of neem are overwhelming,” Torri says. Their soap is made with neem leaves, aloe vera, ginger and turmeric, all grown on their property; lotions use neem tincture made with neem leaves and vegetable glycerin; and shampoos for people and pets include argan oil. Find them at the Redland Country Market.
Find it
12690 SW 280 St
Homestead 33033
