Moringa Leaf

MORINGA OLEIFERA (Moringa, Drumstick Tree, Horseradish Tree, Miracle Tree) Family: MoringaceaePart Used: Leaves, seeds, pods, root, flowersEnergetics: Warming, drying, light, vitalizingTaste: Bitter, pungent, slightly sweet BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION Moringa oleifera Lam. is a fast-growing, drought-resistant deciduous tree reaching 7–12 meters (23–40 ft) in height. It has a soft, corky bark, slender branches, and tripinnate leaves composed of many small, oval leaflets that resemble those of a legume. Flowers are creamy-white, fragrant, and borne in loose panicles; they bloom throughout much of the year in warm climates. The fruit is a long, slender, triangular pod (“drumstick”), containing round winged seeds encased in a light shell. Roots are long, fibrous, and mildly spicy (reminiscent of horseradish, hence the common name). Native range: Northwestern India (Himalayan foothills) and Pakistan.Cultivation range: Now naturalized and widely cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regi