NATURAL REPRODUCTION
Mature trees seed freely and the seeds are dispersed by birds under natural conditions; the seed
ordinary reaches the ground in the rainy season and germination takes place within a fortnight. Neem
often reproduces naturally with tolerable freedom; in this it is aided by its capacity for establishing
itself under the protection of thorny bushes and its ability to survive on dry poor soil, provided it is not
subjected to frost. Natural regeneration does not establish in areas that are under heavy glazing
pressure. Any unoccupied land near mature trees is quickly colonized by seedlings from seeds
spread by birds. Seedlings are seen growing up in hedges, under other trees along wire fences and
telegraph wires – wherever the birds perch and drop the seeds. In Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, it
is reported to regenerate well by coppice and root-suckers. Neem along with sandal has established
in the Lion Safari area of the Nehru Zoological Garden at Hyderabad from the dropping of birds and
protection. Neem Seed and neem oil production is adversely affected in areas where trees are lopped
for fodder.