We all know Singapore as a City in a Garden where trees line our streets. But did you know that many roads are named after trees? In the Seletar Hills Estate, roads are named after trees: Nim (or Neem), Mimosa, Lilac, Kasai, Saraca, Neram, Begonia, and Dedap.
Neem tree (scientific name: Azadirachta indica) is known as Nim tree, Indian lilac, or Margosa tree. It is a shade-providing tree that produces clusters of tiny flowers with five long-thin petals in white color or yellow color in Thailand.
Neem is often called the “miracle” tree because of its vast medicinal and healing properties. Nearly all parts of the neem tree are useful, and many of its medicinal and cosmetic uses are based on its antibacterial and antifungal properties & anti-inflammatory effects. Oil from the seed is used to make a wide variety of products such as soap, toothpaste, lotions, and insecticides. It is commonly used in shampoos for treating chronic dandruff and soaps or creams for skin conditions such as acne, warts and moles, eczema, psoriasis, and athlete’s foot. The vitamins and fatty acids in neem oil help improve skin elasticity by boosting collagen production and reducing wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. Neem oil is effective in healing wounds.
In recent years, China has planted some 14 million neem trees in Yunnan province and done experimental plantings in Hainan, Guangdong, and Sichuan provinces.
Tan It Koon
Before retirement, Dr Tan It Koon was, among many appointments, Head of Clinical Biochemistry at SGH’s Dept of Pathology. He was the Deputy Chairman of the National Theatre Trust and Chairman for Grants and Scholarships of the Spore Cultural Foundation. He received the National Day Awards, PBM, and PPA, for his contribution to cultural and community development and excellence in Public Administration.
