Melia azedarach L.

Mindi kecil (Melia azedarach) is a tree up to 4 meters tall of the Meliaceae family, found wild in the foothills of the Himalayas, India and Pakistan, now distributed as far as the Americas and the Mediterranean. Its wood is commonly used as building material and furniture. Mindi kecil is traditionally believed to be antimalarial and to help lower hypertension.

This plant can be found from lowlands to mountains at elevations of 1,100 m above sea level.

• Stem many-branched, dark brown.
• Leaves compound, doubly pinnate, alternate position, 20-80 cm long. Leaflets ovate-lance-shaped, serrated edges, pointed tip, rounded base, upper surface dark green, underside light green.
• Flowers compound in a panicle 10-20 cm long, emerging from leaf axils. Petals number five, pale purple in color and fragrant.
• Fruit a drupe, round, 1.5 cm in diameter. When ripe yellowish-brown, single-seeded.
• Seeds highly toxic.

Propagated generatively (seed), by pre-sowing first, once large transplant to the field.

Azadirachtin, salannin, meliantriol, saponin, flavonoid, polyphenol, alkaloid, toosendanin, margoside, kaempferol, resin, tannin, triterpene quinone.

Has antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic, antimalarial, cytotoxic and hepatoprotective activity, vermifuge, relieves headache, lowers hypertension, remedy for stomach pain, remedy for diabetes, boosts appetite, maintains stamina and skin health.

• Take mindi leaves as needed, wash thoroughly.
• Air-dry until dry (not sun-dried).
• Place in an airtight container.

Marambung (Sumatra), Gringging, Mindi (Java).