In botany, Azadirachta indica is the scientific (binomial) name of which commonly known tree species that is widely used in traditional medicine and as a natural pesticide?

Introduction / Context:
Scientific names provide a standard way to identify plant and animal species across different languages and regions. Each scientific name, or binomial, consists of a genus and a species name. Azadirachta indica is a well known example in Indian botany and traditional medicine. This question asks you to match this scientific name with the correct common name of the tree from a list of familiar species.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Azadirachta is the genus, and indica is the species epithet, indicating an association with India.
• The options list several common trees and a herb widely known in India.
• Neem is a tree with many medicinal and pesticidal uses, while teak and silver oak are timber trees and tulsi is a herb.
• We assume basic exposure to common scientific names in school biology.

Concept / Approach:
Azadirachta indica is the botanical name for the neem tree, a hardy evergreen tree commonly found in India and other tropical regions. Neem leaves, bark, seeds and oil are widely used in traditional medicine and as a natural pesticide. Teak, used for timber, has the scientific name Tectona grandis. Silver oak is typically known as Grevillea robusta, and tulsi, a sacred basil, is usually referred to as Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum. By matching Azadirachta indica with the correct common name, we identify neem as the correct option among those listed.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Azadirachta indica is a scientific name frequently cited in discussions of medicinal plants and bio pesticides. Step 2: Associate Azadirachta indica with the neem tree, which is known for its bitter leaves and wide range of traditional uses. Step 3: Consider teak and remember that its scientific name is Tectona grandis, which does not match Azadirachta indica. Step 4: Recognise that silver oak has a different scientific name, often given as Grevillea robusta, and tulsi is an herb with the genus name Ocimum, not Azadirachta. Step 5: Conclude that neem is the only correct match for Azadirachta indica among the options provided.

Verification / Alternative check:
Plant taxonomy references and medicinal plant guides consistently list Azadirachta indica as the scientific name for the neem tree. Descriptions highlight neem as a fast growing tree with pinnate leaves and small white flowers, with various parts used in traditional remedies and in organic farming. Teak and silver oak are listed under different genera and species in timber manuals, while tulsi appears in herbal guides under Ocimum. These independent sources align in naming Azadirachta indica as neem, confirming the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b, teak, is a valuable timber tree known scientifically as Tectona grandis and is unrelated to the genus Azadirachta.

Option c, silver oak, is an ornamental and timber tree often called Grevillea robusta and does not share the Azadirachta genus.

Option d, tulsi, is a herb used in traditional medicine and worship, with scientific names such as Ocimum tenuiflorum, so it does not match Azadirachta indica.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes guess based on geographic hints such as indica and mistakenly connect the name to any familiar Indian plant like tulsi, without checking the genus. Others may confuse neem and teak because both are common trees in India and both are used in rural life. To avoid these errors, it helps to memorise a small core list of scientific names, including Azadirachta indica for neem, Mangifera indica for mango and Punica granatum for pomegranate, and use them as reference points in exams.

Final Answer:
Azadirachta indica is the scientific name of the Neem tree.