Moringa oleifera DRUMSTICK TREE (5 seeds)

Tree of life, kelor, drumstick tree, or Moringa oleifera in Latin, is an exotic, fast-growing tree with low hardiness that can reach 10 to 12 meters in height at maturity. It belongs to the Moringaceae family. It is native to northern India but is now acclimatized in nearly all tropical regions of the world.

The flowers are delicate, fragrant, white, and grow in clusters. The stamens are yellow, and each flower is composed of 6 petals.

Moringa seeds are grayish-brown and slightly angular. They are relatively large, generally measuring 1 cm in diameter. They feature 3 to 4 small wings, allowing them to be easily dispersed by the wind.

Fruit is a green pod that turns brown as it ripens. It measures 10 to 15 cm in length and can hold 10 to 20 seeds. Its texture is rough and asymmetrical.

Its leaves are fine, light green, and can reach 25 cm in length. They are made up of small leaflets generally measuring one centimeter in length.

- Uses:

The tree of life holds great importance in Indian Ayurvedic medicine traditions. It is said that its leaves could cure more than 300 diseases. Modern science has confirmed this Indian belief, adding that its leaves possess high nutritional value.

Nutritional analyses have shown that the leaves are richer than most vegetables. An interesting edible oil can also be extracted, particularly in Africa where many countries lack cooking oils. This oil is also a valuable raw material for the cosmetic industry.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The ideal period to sow drumstick tree is from June until the end of August.
• Begin by soaking the seeds for 24 hours in lukewarm water to break dormancy and accelerate germination.
• Prepare 10 cm pots with previously moistened peat, then bury the seeds 1 cm deep.
• Water the culture gently by spraying.
• Place it in a warm and humid location at a temperature of at least 30°C. The use of a greenhouse is recommended.
• Germination will generally begin 4 to 7 weeks after planting.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

It develops very well in a seed-starting mix combined with a little sand. Adding compost can also be considered to promote growth. For pot cultivation, remember to add a few clay pebbles to the bottom for drainage.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

It requires a full sun exposure. For indoor cultivation, prioritize MH, HPS, or horticultural LED bulbs.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

It grows very quickly when temperatures range from 25 to 35°C. Below 15°C, this species stops growing. This highly valuable tree is frost-sensitive; therefore, it should be grown outdoors only in mild climates and must be brought indoors during the winter period.

- Watering / Water Needs:

When it is still young, its water requirement is significant. It should be watered every 2 days in spring and mid-summer, and once a week during the autumn and winter periods.

- Reproduction / Propagation:

The easiest way to reproduce it is by seed. It is also possible to propagate it by cuttings by taking branches 60 to 80 cm long and pushing them into a substrate based on sand and compost.

- Pests and Diseases:

It is resistant to most pests and diseases, except for a small defoliating caterpillar called Noorda blitealis, which is found in subtropical Africa and south of the Sahara but is not present in Europe.