Accession #: 199700027
Accession Date: 1997-04-01
Common name: Horseradish Tree
Family: Moringaceae
Synonym(s):
Country of Origin: India; widely cultivated in Old World tropics
Description: [Syn. Moringa pterygosperma, M. aptera]
Deciduous tree to about 20 feet; leaves sub-pinnate; flowers yellow, upper petiole whitish. Develops a large caudexed base with age.
Uses: Root is scraped when young and used by the natives as Horseradish as in Europe; leaves are used in vegetable curries and in pickles; unripe pods are used as a curry vegetable, boiled and sliced like beans; flowers and bark are used in native medicine; seeds yield valuable Oil of Ben used in artist's paints, salad oil and soap. Timber suited for pulp for cellophane or rayon. <P> Recent research indicates some compounds in the seeds and fruit of this plant have a purifying effect on water. Other compounds have been shown to have promising antibiotic activity.<P> Used externally as a counter irritant, also used as a stimulant to remedy a number of maladies.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
USDA Zone: 9-10
Source: Banana Tree
Provenance:
Restrictions:
Culture:
