THE MORINGA TREE (Moringa oleifera) is native to India and is now grown in many parts of the world.
It is a fast-growing, drought-resistant, deciduous tree which can grow up to 12m tall. It has yellowish-white flowers with a pleasant fragrance.
Moringa prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soil. It loves sun and heat and does not do well in very cold conditions.
The nutrient-dense young seed pods and leaves are eaten as vegetables. Almost all parts of the Moringa tree are edible. It is also widely cultivated for traditional herbal medicine.
AKA drumstick tree, ben oil tree, horseradish tree