Moringa

views updated May 29 2018

Moringa (family Moringaceae) A genus of plants which includes M. oleifera (horseradish tree), widely cultivated in tropical Asia for its edible, pungent, young leaves and pods (rich in vitamin C), and for ben oil, extracted from the ripe seeds. There are 10 species.

moringa

views updated Jun 11 2018

moringa Fruit of the kelor tree, Moringa oleifera; the leaves and seed pods are edible and are reported to taste like asparagus. The crushed seeds have antibacterial activity and can be used to purify drinking water. Ben oil, a fine oil used by watchmakers, is produced from the seeds. Also known as the horseradish tree, because its bulbous roots taste like horseradish.