Moringa, Moringa oleifera
Moringa oleifera — often called drumstick tree, horseradish tree, or miracle tree — is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree native to the Indian subcontinent but now cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions.
🌱 Description
Height: Usually 10–12 m (33–40 ft) tall when mature.
Leaves: Pinnate, bright green, and highly nutritious.
Flowers: Fragrant, small, creamy-white, borne in loose clusters; bloom year-round in warm climates.
Fruit (Pods): Long, slender, ribbed pods — often up to 45 cm (18 in) — eaten as a vegetable (known as drumsticks in South Asian cooking).
Roots: Deep taproot, allowing drought resilience.
🍃 Uses
Nutritional: Leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, potassium, and protein.
Culinary: Leaves eaten fresh, cooked, or powdered; immature pods used in curries; seeds roasted or pressed for oil (ben oil).
Medicinal: Traditionally used for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial purposes.
Other: Seeds can purify water due to natural coagulants.
🌍 Growing Conditions
Climate: Prefers warm, frost-free environments.
Soil: Tolerates poor soils but thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soil.
Sun: Full sun exposure is essential.
Water: Drought tolerant once established but grows faster with regular watering.
Propagation: Easily grown from seeds or cuttings.
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