Drumstick

Drumstick

Moringa oleifera
LanguageName
हिंदी (Hindi)सहजन / मुनगा
ಕನ್ನಡ (Kannaḍa)ಬೆಳಗ್ಗೆ (Beḷagge)
తెలుగు (Telugu)మునగ (Munaga)

Description

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree that is native to the Himalayas in northern India but is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world for its various uses. It is also known by other common names such as drumstick tree, horseradish tree, and ben oil tree. The tree is highly valued for its leaves, seeds, flowers, and roots, all of which have a range of medicinal and nutritional properties.

Moringa grows up to 10 meters in height, with a slender trunk and branches that are covered in feathery, fern-like leaves. The leaves are rich in nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are commonly used as a dietary supplement or as an ingredient in traditional medicines. The tree produces fragrant, white or yellow flowers that are followed by long, slender pods that contain several small seeds. The seeds are high in oil content and are commonly used in the production of cosmetics, lubricants, and biodiesel.

In addition to its value as a nutritional and medicinal plant, Moringa is also highly valued for its ability to improve soil fertility and as a source of livestock feed. The plant is often used as a hedge or a windbreak, and its leaves and pods are commonly used as a source of green manure. Moringa is also used in agroforestry systems, where it is grown in combination with other crops to provide shade and to improve soil fertility.

Overall, Moringa is a highly versatile and valuable plant that has a range of uses and benefits, including as a food source, as a medicine, as a source of fuel and oil, and as a soil improver.

Highlights

    Plant has edible parts.

    Plant fixes nitrogen in soil.