Moringa oleifera
MORINGA OLEIFRA
ASPECTS
- FAMILY: Moringaceae
- USDA ZONES: 10-12 (8-9 as a tender perennial)
- KNOWN HAZARDS: None
- CHARACTERISTICS: 26ftx26ft
- USES: Edible, Medicinal, Other
DESCRIPTION
Moringa is a deciduous fast-growing tree that is indigenous to East Asia. It is drought resistant and grown all over the world. Moringa has fleshy roots, a thick trunk with multi-leaf branches and fruits that are long, slender that have papery “winged” oil-rich seeds. All parts of the Moringa are edible. Moringa is sometimes described as the "miracle tree," "drumstick tree," or "horseradish tree.”'
USES & PROPERTIES
Moringa leaves are very nutritious, are rich in vitamins, minerals and are eaten cooked or raw or in teas. Seedlings are eaten as an herb and young seed pods (drumsticks) are used in stews. The root is reminiscent of horseradish and can be used as a flavoring. Oil obtained from the seeds, has no taste, smell or color and is resistant to oxidation. Leaves are used to increases milk flow for lactation.
CULTIVATION & HARVESTING
Even though Moringa is drought and heat tolerant it will produce more leaves with regular water. If growing for leaf production and not drumsticks (seeds) scale down height by harvesting off the top frequently.
description
MEDICINAL & OTHER USE
A number of compounds with medicinal properties have been isolated and moringa’s benefits are widely published in medical journals. A few notable are in the treatment for anemia; arthritis and joint pain; asthma; cancer; constipation; diabetes; diarrhea; epilepsy; stomach issues and intestinal ulcers and spasms; headache; heart problems; high blood pressure; kidney stones; fluid retention; thyroid disorders; and bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections. Topically used for treating abscesses, athlete’s foot, dandruff, gum disease, snakebites, warts, and wounds.
PLANTING & PROPAGATION
By seed or cutting. Germination is 80% but falls to 50% after 12 months. Stem cuttings of semi-hard wood are preferred because they root easily.
DISEASES, PESTS & WEED POTENTIAL
Disease and pest resistant. Not a weed potential in zones below 10. Mild potential above 10. Not aggressive.
OTHER
Water purification, fencing, pioneer species
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