Moringa Tree

Scientific Name: Moringa Oleifera

Description

The Moringa tree, also known as the "drumstick tree" or "miracle tree," has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda. It is often touted as the most nutritious plant on earth.

Features

•  Resilient: A very prolific plant that thrives in extreme heat. Can withstand temperatures as low as 22ºF while dormant, if protected from frost. Bring the greenhouse in during winter, low temperatures.
•  Pollination: A self-fertile tree
• Stunning Aesthetics: Exotic, abundant, Light, feathery foliage allows enough sunlight to reach understory plants. Produces large showing white flowers and large pods of seeds.
• Drought-tolerant: Can withstand hot, humid temperatures and drought conditions. Does not like too much water.

Perfect Growing Zones

• Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 b- 11. If you reside within these zones, congratulations—this plant is for you!

Culinary Uses Almost all parts of the Moringa tree can be eaten or used in traditional herbal medicine. The leaves are often used in soups and salads, while the immature seed pods, known as drumsticks, are commonly used in South Asian curries. The leaves, seeds, flowers, young seedpods, and roots are edible and highly nutritious. It can be used as a supplementary feed for livestock.

Medicinal Uses

• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Moringa leaves are packed with vitamins A, B, and C, as well as minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron.
• High in Protein: Moringa is a rare plant source of all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. This is great news for vegetarians and vegans.
• Antioxidant Powerhouse: Moringa contains several powerful antioxidants, including quercetin and chlorogenic acid. Antioxidants help to protect your cells against damage.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Studies suggest that Moringa may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• May Lower Blood Sugar Levels: Research indicates that Moringa helps lower blood sugar levels.
• May Support Brain Health: Moringa is high in antioxidants and compounds that improve thyroid health, which is beneficial for maintaining high energy levels and mental clarity.
• *disclaimer: 

Water Purification: Moringa seeds have been used to purify water. The seeds contain a protein that binds to impurities, causing them to aggregate so they can be easily separated from the water.

Cosmetic Use: Moringa oil, also known as Ben oil, is rich in antioxidants and is highly valued in the cosmetic industry for its skin-nourishing properties.

Symbolism: In many cultures, the Moringa tree symbolizes resilience and life-giving properties due to its ability to survive in harsh climates and its nutritional benefits.

Isn't it fascinating how a single tree can offer so much? From nutrition and medicine to water purification and cosmetics, the Moringa tree truly lives up to its nickname as the "miracle tree."

Easy to grow and very resilient. Extremely fast-growing and drought-tolerant, Moringa is an ideal support species for subtropical/tropical food forests. When planted from seed, they develop a long, thick taproot that retains moisture and nutrients, allowing them to withstand long periods of dry conditions. This resilient tree provides many benefits in a food forest

Growth Habits & Best Practices

• Height: A lush tropical beauty that can grow up to 20 feet
• Light: Loves sun -plant in full sun.
• Soil: Rich, well-draining soil keeps this plant happy. Can tolerate sandy soil but does not like clay.
• Dormancy: During winter, late November or early December, in zones 1-9 the plants are dormant up to March or April. The plants wither and then dry and lose foliage, but roots live underground unless they die in a prolonged freeze. Grows as a perennial in zones 10-11
• Propagation: Moringa does best when directly seeded, as this allows for the best development of its long taproot. Sow more seeds than you need and thin accordingly, leaving only the more vigorous, healthy plants. It can also be propagated with cuttings (though you lose the benefits of the long taproot).

Where to Plant

• Moringa is native to semi-arid regions of the world and prefers drier conditions and full sun. Does not do well in soggy, shady conditions. Adaptable enough for a sunny room in your house, too! 

Planting Guide

1. Dig a hole as wide as the pot and deep enough to bury the tap root.
2. Remove the plant and place it in the hole.
3. Fill the hole with native soil mixed with compost and water generously to establish.
4. Bring inside during winter in zones lower than 8
5. Container - Plant in good quality, well-draining potting mix. 

Care Routine

• Regular watering, but let the soil dry between waterings.
• Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every year

A Little History 

• It's believed to have originated in the foothills of the Himalayas in India. The cultivation of Moringa spread to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and later to parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific and Caribbean Islands, thanks to its ability to grow in a variety of climates.

Ideal For

• Home gardeners in warm regions who love showy plants.
• Gardeners are looking to add visually stunning plants to their landscape.
• Preppers and people concerned with food security

🚫 Not Ideal For

• Those residing in frigid regions below USDA Zone 5, unless you can bring a potted plant indoors for winter.
• Gardeners who have no direct sun

*Disclaimer: This information is provided solely as a guideline to be used when discussing a program with a healthcare professional. Consult your physician before using any medicinal plant. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease.