Botanical Name: Moringa oleifera
Some other names: Horseradish Tree, Moringa, Ben oil tree, Benzolive
How to Grow It
The drumstick tree is a leguminous tree that can grow up to 10 m tall in the ground. It has feathery, fern-like leaves and long, slender pods (“drumsticks”) that hang from the branches.
Native to South Asia, it’s now grown around the world in tropical and subtropical climates for its incredible versatility. It thrives in full sun and tolerates a wide range of soils – from sandy to rocky to poor – though it does best in well-drained soil.
It’s extremely drought-hardy once established, making it a brilliant choice for dry regions. However, it’s tender to frost: in cooler climates it will die back in winter, then reshoot in spring, or it may need to be replanted each year.
Moringa even grows in large pots – just trim the roots or repot every year, or start fresh from seed each spring.
Propagation is easy: plant seeds directly into warm soil, or in winter cut a 1–2 m dormant limb and plant it upright in the ground. Once the weather warms, the cutting will shoot – giving you a whole new tree with minimal effort.
Herbal & Nutrient Value
Moringa has a reputation for being one of the most nutrient-dense plants on earth – and it lives up to the hype. Its leaves are rich in vitamin C (boosting immunity), vitamin A (for eyes and skin), calcium (for bones), potassium, iron, and protein – a rare combination for a leafy green.
The famous claims – “7× the vitamin C of oranges, 4× the calcium of milk, 4× the vitamin A of carrots” – might be simplified marketing, but the underlying truth is that this plant is packed with nutrition.
Herbally, moringa is used traditionally as a tonic and restorative. It’s believed to help with inflammation, digestion, and blood sugar balance. Science has backed some of these claims, showing strong antioxidant activity and potential benefits for heart health.
Traditional & Home Remedies
Moringa tea: Steep dried leaves in hot water for a nutrient-rich drink.
Lactation booster: Leaf powder added to porridge for nursing mothers.
Topical paste: Crushed leaves applied to minor cuts and insect bites.
Seed water purifier: Crushed seeds used to clarify turbid water (binds impurities).
Using It in the Kitchen
Every part of the drumstick tree is edible, which makes it a true survival all-rounder.
Leaves – Mildly flavoured (not unpleasant, just plain), they’re best added to salads, sandwiches, or green smoothiesfor raw nutrition. In cooked dishes, use them like spinach – but toss them in at the end to preserve their vitamin C.
Young pods (“drumsticks”) – Cook like green beans; they have a similar flavour and tender texture when young.
Seeds – Can be cooked like beans in stews, or roasted/fried and eaten like nuts.
Simple recipe ideas:
– Moringa Leaf Stir-Fry – sauté leaves with garlic, onion, and chili for a quick side.
– Drumstick Curry – simmer young pods in coconut milk and curry spices.
– Moringa Omelette – fold chopped leaves into eggs for a breakfast boost.
– Leafy Green Smoothie – blitz fresh leaves with banana, lime, and water for a nutrition hit.
– Roasted Seeds – roast dry seeds with a pinch of salt for a crunchy snack.
Other Uses
The drumstick tree’s value goes beyond the kitchen. The leaves can be chopped and used as mulch or compost activator, the branches make light shade for companion plants, and the seeds are even used in some cultures to purify water (their crushed kernels help sediment settle).
Why it’s a survival plant:
It’s incredibly hardy, thrives in heat and drought, regrows after cutting, and provides leaves, pods, seeds, and even mulch. Plant one tree and you’ll have a permanent, renewable source of food and health.
