African horseradish tree (Moringa stenopetala)

Family: Moringaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

African Horseradish Tree or Moringa stenopetala is a cultivated food plant reaching a height of up to 15 m. It has a smooth bark, soft branches, compound leaves, and white scented flowers. The fruits are yellow, long pods that split open to release winged seeds. Leaf infusion is a remedy for leprosy, hypertension, retained placenta, asthma, colds, and wounds. Roots are burned and the smoke is inhaled as a treatment for epilepsy.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

milder flavour than the leaves of M. — Young leaves - raw or cooked and eaten as a vegetable.; A larger leaf with a milder flavour than the leaves of M.; Traditionally, the leaflets are separated from the rachis and plunged into boiling water.; Salt or sodium carbonate is added to the water.

Habitat & North American Range

Acacia tortilis woodland, riverine woodland of Hyphaene, Acacia, etc.; Acacia, Delonix, Commiphora associations, scrub and succulent steppe; usually on rocky ground by permanent water; at elevations from 390 - 1,200 metres. (Zone 10)