Abstract Neem or the Margosa tree, Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), is a versatile tree species common in arid zones. We investigated the reproductive biology of Neem, including phenology, floral biology, pollination ecology and the breeding system, in three natural populations in northern India. Phenological observations established that trees within a population flowered synchronously, but populations varied in the time of onset of flowering; a few trees flowered twice a year. An inflorescence bears ∼ 91 bisexual, white and sweet‐scented flowers. The stigma consists of a non‐receptive apical region and a subjacent rim of receptive surface; papillae on the two regions differ in their morphology and function. The occurrence of natural pollination both by wind and insects indicates ambophily. Insect pollinators were predominantly represented by Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera; Apis spp. were the most effective pollinators. Although the occurrence of incomplete dichogamy and a pollen : ovule ratio of ∼ 627 indicates the possibility of autogamy, supplemental pollinations c
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