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Neem trees, members of the mahogany family, have been revered in India for four millennia, but research in reforestation has started only recently. Recommendations for reforestations of semi-arid tropics of the sub-Saharan region, Asia, Central and South America have focused on the species Azadirachta indica (A. Juss.). The related species A. siamensis (VAL) and A. excelsa (Jack) Jacobs are best suited for humid tropics. The supply of the latter species is very limited and tissue culture propagation methods might provide a means for their mass propagation. As yet, there has been no genotype selection for relatively dry areas. Neem's remarkable ability to withstand drought, air and water pollution, as well as extreme heat, underscores its usefulness in urban forestry. Neem trees provide good timber, pole wood, firewood, charcoal, oil and tannins. In agroforestry, neem plantings can be integrated with grazing and local farming practices to restore and maintain soil fertility.