Moringa Oleifera - Wonder Plant!

What Is Moringa?

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a fast-growing tree native to parts of northern India and has been cultivated for centuries throughout Asia, Africa, and tropical regions around the world. Sometimes called the "drumstick tree" because of its long seed pods, moringa is valued for its ability to thrive in hot climates and poor soils.

One reason gardeners are fascinated by moringa is its rapid growth. In warm climates, young trees can grow several feet in a single season. Nearly every part of the tree has been used traditionally, including the leaves, seed pods, flowers, and seeds.

Growing Moringa in Texas

Moringa grows best in warm climates and is often treated as a perennial in tropical regions. Here in Texas, gardeners in the southern part of the state have had success growing moringa, although freezes can damage or kill the tree. Because of its fast growth rate, many gardeners simply replant it each year or protect it during winter.

Why Homesteaders Like Moringa

Homesteaders and gardeners are often drawn to moringa because it is drought tolerant, grows quickly, and produces an abundance of leaves and seed pods. Its ability to thrive in difficult growing conditions has helped make it popular in many parts of the world.

Whether you're interested in unusual edible plants, food production, or simply experimenting with something new in the garden, moringa is certainly one of the more interesting trees a gardener can grow.

Nutrients Found in Moringa

One reason moringa has attracted attention around the world is its nutritional content. The leaves contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Several B vitamins
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus

Moringa leaves also contain protein and antioxidants, which has contributed to the plant's popularity among gardeners, homesteaders, and those interested in growing nutrient-dense foods.

As with any food, nutrient levels can vary depending on growing conditions, soil quality, and whether the leaves are consumed fresh or dried.

Last year, I had been reading a lot about this wonder plant called Moringa Oleifera. This wonder plant packed more vitamins than anything I had ever heard of. 

 

I went online and found a supplier on Amazon for organic Moringa seeds and waited. And waited.
Finally, a month later, my pkg passed customs from India and arrived on my doorstep!

Unfortunately, I had forgotten to plant them until 2 weeks ago. I planted 3 seeds and placed the pot on my kitchen window. As you can see 2 have sprouted!

 

 

I'll keep you posted on how they like this part of Texas. I'm in zone 8, so they should do fairly well. This is one plant that's got me curious!

 

Have you grown these, or do you plan to?