Re: Moringe oleifera

Moringa oleifera is indeed a drought resistant tree.  It flowers quite profusely with a 
faint, fragrant perfume.  The tree although native to India has naturalized itself in 
certain sections of Israel without being invasive.  Several parts of the tree are 
considered a delicacy by Asiatic people.  My workers, who are from Thailand, 
discovered the tree in my nursery and immediately began to pick the seed pods at a 
young green stage.  They prepared the the pods by immersing them in boiling water 
for several minute ( adding a bit of salt ), and then striping away the husks and eating 
the seeds.  The taste is very similar to a chickpea.  In addition, the young leaves are 
collected and prepared in the same manner or eaten in a salad.  

Moringa grows quite in the warmer areas of Israel.  It grows in the Jordan Valley in 
areas of less than 100 mm of water per year with no additional water after it is 
established.  It accepts almost any soil conditions and seems to be quite adaptable.  
It will not tolerate long frosts, or extended cold.  It will survive short frosts of -1 or -2 
degrees centigrade as a adult tree.

If anyone is interested in seeds, please contact me and I will be happy to send them.

Larry Harris
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