Moringa oleifera aka Moringa

Moringa oleifera is a deciduous tree in the Moringaceae family. Its names include moringa, drumstick tree, and horseradish tree. Its native range runs from northeast Pakistan to northwest India. It comes from a tropical region with a dry season. People grow it in home gardens and on farms. They also plant it for its leaves and scented flowers.

In gardens, it reaches about 26 feet [8 metres] tall. Its crown can spread to about 26 feet [8 metres]. Some accounts give heights up to 39 feet [12 metres]. It grows fast and forms a broad, open crown. The sparse leaves let light pass through the branches. Its bent trunk often forks close to the ground. Branches droop, and the leaves divide into three sets of leaflets. Long flower clusters have a scent and may appear year-round. Bees and sunbirds visit the flowers, and trees are self-fertile. The hanging brown fruits are capsules with three sides. Round seeds inside have pale, papery wings. Wind and water can carry the seeds away.

Moringa grows in warm temperate regions and the tropics. It needs sun and does not grow in shade. It accepts sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage. Mildly acid to neutral soil suits it. It can also grow in soil that contains salt. Once growing, it can cope with drought and strong winds. It does not suit sites exposed to sea winds. Sources differ on frost tolerance, so cold remains a concern. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12 and calls it frost tender. Another account says light frost may not harm it.

Young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked. Their sharp taste works in salads, soups, and curries. The leaves provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. Flowers can also be eaten raw or cooked. People use the pods as food and press seeds for oil. Sources also list roots and inner bark as edible parts. The tree has many reported uses in herbal medicine. Those reports do not establish that home remedies are safe. The references list no known hazards, but give no pet-safety details.

Gardeners use moringa for shade, hedges, and living fences. It can support climbing plants and help shelter crops. Its leaves provide fodder and material for green manure. Growers can cut it back to renew its growth. Stem cuttings root readily, while fresh seeds sprout without pretreatment. PFAF does not flag it as a weed.