Family: Moringa (Moringaceae)

Hardy to Zones 9 to 12, otherwise grown as a potted plant and brought in for the winter

(Drumstick Tree) Fast-growing decidous tree native to northwestern India and cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics.  Moringa will grow outdoors in the US Zone 9 and warmer.  Otherwise, protect from frost.    Known as the “Drumstick Tree” in India, the immature seedpods are eaten as a standard foodstuff, tasting rather like asparagus and quite easily digested as well as being very tasty.  Beyond asparagus, virtually every part of the tree is useful in food and medicine.  The roots are ground up and used as a condiment.  Traditional usage (Siddha): sexual dysfunction, antiinflammatory, analgesic.  The crushed seeds can be used as a phytoremediating filter for purifying water.  The branches are used as fodder.  The leaves are full of vitamin C, A, calcium, iron, potassium and protein.  They are a good anti-famine food.  Tree prefers full sun and dry to mesic soils. The tree grows very well in containerized culture, but requires sufficient root space, so large containers work best.  Fill the container with equal parts organic compost, sand and pumice.  The tree enjoys regular watering but must never be allowed to sit in water.  Always give fast-draining soil, whether planting outdoors or in pots.  Space trees 15 feet apart.

potted tree, certified organically grown