Other Names: Munaga (Hindi) • Mkimbo (Swahili) • Alim (Arabic) • Ma Rum (Thailand) • Ma khonkom (Vietnamese) • Saijhan (French) • Cedra (Portugese) Plant Family: Moringaceae
Grows very easily in Austin, TX. From May to Sept, it reached 13 feet high, but is a perennial since it's too cold in the winter. It can reach as high as 30 to 40 feet in tropical areas. All parts of the Moringa tree are edible. Roots and stems can be used in soup. Seeds can be ground up for medicine. Leaves, flowers, and pods are commonly used fresh or dried in Asian and African cuisine.
Moringa originated in India and some cultures calls it "The Miracle Tree" because it's effective in treating over hundreds of conditions.
Moringa is easy to propagate with cuttings. This photo (left) is of the cuttings 10 days after being planted in the pot. Older cuttings seem to have more vigorous sprouts.
Moringa oleifera is in the USDA Plant Database. Drill down via USDA Interactive Map:
USA – USDA Plant Database
USA – USDA Plant Database
USA:Moringa oleifera has been introduced to Florida. USDA Zones: 9-10.
Native: Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia
Habitats: Foot hills, tropical areas
USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and 10. Temperatures below 30 degrees will harm moringa trees. Frost will kill it. However, if the roots are well developed, it will regenerate come spring.
Remarks
These trees are extremely low maintenance and drought tolerant. They typically grow in warm/tropical climates. Mine in Austin, TX dies in the winter and regenerates in March. I have two trees outside the raised beds and two inside the raised boxes. I watered the ones in the raised beds along with the other vegetables. The less watered ones were taller and healthier.
I was disappointed to not get any pods. I tried wrapping the stalks in winter to see if they would stay green and become more mature in the next year. No such luck. All died, but sprouted back the next year.
Moringa is also unbelievably easy to propagate. Just cut a branch into 1 foot chunks and stick them in soil. If done in the fall, be sure to bring it in house or the cold weather may kill it since the root ball is not yet well formed.
The leaves are easy to dry. Strip them from the stalks and put them in a paper bag or box. I line my boxes with paper cookie sheets to keep them clean. Leave it in a dark and cool area for about 2 weeks. Be sure the leaves do not overlap. I've had them rot while drying because they were piled on top of each other. Drying them in a dehydrator is best. 120 degrees for roughly 7 hours will dry them well. Dehydrator drying also keeps the leaves greener. One can make powder by crushing them with mortar and pestle.
Moringa photos from garden in Austin, TX
Established Perrenials
Leaves
Planting in pots
Propagation with cuttings
Cuttings growing in pot
Properties, Actions, Indications, etc. Category: Tonify Blood
English: MoringaPinyin: La Mu Pharmaceutical: Moringa Oleifera
Herbal medicine may interact negatively with pharma drugs and other herbs. Examples below:
Herbs:
Pharma Drugs:
Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience. While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts, variations may result from the numerous English translations. Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs. The information here is strictly for educational purposes.
Moringa is easy to propagate with cuttings. This photo (left) is of the cuttings 10 days after being planted in the pot. Older cuttings seem to have more vigorous sprouts.
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