Moringa

Image Source: Tatters (n.d.) Flickr 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tgerus/5198298506

"The moringa (Moringa oleifera) tree, also known as the horseradish or drumstick tree, is native to the Himalayan foothills in India and Bangladesh. An adaptable plant, the Moringa is grown in most tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. All parts are used for food or medicine in various parts of the world. Seeds are eaten in some parts like peanuts. Leaves are commonly used for salads and have a very high nutrient value, packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

Moringa prefers well-drained sandy or loam soil with a neutral pH level. Though it tolerates clay soil, it cannot be water logged. Follow similar instructions for planting citrus and ‘ulu.

Established plants required little moringa tree care. After planting, apply a general household plant fertilizer and water well. It is important to keep the soil moist but not overly wet. You do not want to drown or rot the seeds or cuttings. Keep the planting area free of weeds and rinse off any pests that you find on the growing tree using a water hose. As the tree matures, trim off older branches to encourage fruiting. First year flowers should be removed as they bloom to encourage fruiting in the following years. Since this is a fast-growing tree, annual pruning to a shrub form will help keep its growth under control. You can also cut the tree to about 3 or 4 feet above the ground.

Source: Susan Patterson (2018) 
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/moringa/about-moringa-trees.htm

Gram for gram, Moringa can have three times the potassium you would find in a banana, four times the vitamin A found in a carrot, and seven times the vitamin C found in an orange. Moringa is also rich in minerals, vitamins, essential amino acids, phytochemicals, vegetable proteins, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and carbohydrates. Once mature, fresh Moringa, leaves from your tree make a delicious addition to your salad. The leaves are also great for making tea, as well as an ingredient in a variety of chicken, meat and vegetable dishes. For recipes using Moringa, see our blog and cookbook."

Source: Moringa Farms (n.d.) https://moringafarms.com/growing-moringa/