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Shady tree of medicinal fame
The Kohomba tree is famed throughout the country and indeed in South East Asia for its medicinal properties. It is also not too difficult to identify. It is a fairly small tree growing to a height of 15m. With its spreading branches it has a nice form. The trunk of the tree is generally straight and the bark is rough and brown. It is said that often the bark is despoiled because it is scraped off by people who make use of it for a mouth wash.

The leaves of the Kohomba are crowded and pinnate with paired leaflets.
The margins of the leaves are serrated. The flowers of this tree are small, white and fragrant. The flowering season is between March and April. The fruits are yellowish green, small and oblong. The skin is smooth. They are very bitter to taste and are used to make Kohomba oil. The seed has insecticidal properties.

The Kohomba is planted as a shade tree. One of the biggest known plantations of the tree is in Saudi Arabia where it was planted across the plains to shade the camping grounds of Haj pilgrims. Its pleasant form has meant that it also has an aesthetic value. It is also relatively fast growing and is a source of fuel wood. The fallen flowers are apparently used to make savoury cakes. The tree is best known however for its medicinal and antiseptic properties.

The twigs are used as tooth brushes, the oil is used to make soaps, toothpastes and other similar products and the dried leaves are also used as an insecticidal incense. The dried leaves are commonly kept between the pages of books to guard against insects. It is a natural insecticide and some insects have been found to starve rather than to eat plants treated with Kohomba oil. Fertilizer made using extracts from this tree are excellent for plant growth.

The Kohomba produces a durable, hard wood which is termite resistant and is therefore prized for making furniture and for use in heavy construction.
The Kohomba is found in Burma, Sri Lanka and India. It is planted in home gardens and along roadsides and can be seen along the coast and in the dry lowlands. Driving along the coastal road in the deep south one can easily spot this tree. It is also commonly found planted in houses in the North where it is prized for its ability to keep away the mosquitoes. The Kohomba is known as the Vempu in Tamil and Neem in Hindi. Margosa is its Portugese name. The scientific name is Azadirachta indica.

Compiled by Ruk Rakaganno

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