Malunggay new beginnings by Richardphotos

Photography • Macro • posted on Jan 27, 2010

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Description

this is a Malunggay tree known in the US as Moringa.this new growth started just the other day when I put it on the patio.I took it back into the garage because of a forecast of very cold weather .the longest leaf maybe 1/8 inch Moringa oleifera, commonly referred to simply as "Moringa" (from Tamil: Muringa and Malayalam: Murunggi[1]), is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Moringa, which is the only genus in the family Moringaceae. It is an exceptionally nutritious vegetable tree with a variety of potential uses. The tree itself is rather slender, with drooping branches that grow to approximately 10 m in height. In cultivation, it is often cut back annually to 1 meter or less and allowed to regrow so that pods and leaves remain within arm's reach. he "Moringa" tree is grown mainly in semi-arid, tropical, and subtropical areas, corresponding in the United States to USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10. While it grows best in dry sandy soil, it tolerates poor soil, including coastal areas. It is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree that is native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India. Reports that it grows wild in the Middle East or Africa are completely unsubstantiated. Today it is widely cultivated in Africa, Central and South America, Sri Lanka, India, Mexico, Malaysia,Indonesia and the Philippines. It is considered one of the worldâ��s most useful trees, as almost every part of the Moringa tree can be used for food or has some other beneficial property. In the tropics, it is used as forage for livestock, and in many countries, Moringa is used as a micronutrient powder to treat diseases. A traditional food plant in Africa, this little-known vegetable has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development, and support sustainable landcare The immature green pods called â��drumsticksâ�� are probably the most valued and widely used part of the tree. They are commonly consumed in India and are generally prepared in a similar fashion to green beans and have a slight asparagus taste. The seeds are sometimes removed from more mature pods and eaten like peas or roasted like nuts. The flowers are edible when cooked, and are said to taste like mushrooms. The roots are shredded and used as a condiment in the same way as horseradish; however, it contains the alkaloid spirochin, a potentially fatal nerve-paralyzing agent, so such practices should be strongly discouraged The leaves are highly nutritious, being a significant source of beta-carotene, Vitamin C, protein, iron, and potassium.[3] The leaves are cooked and used like spinach. In addition to being used fresh as a substitute for spinach, its leaves are commonly dried and crushed into a powder, and used in soups and sauces. Murungakai, as it is locally known in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, is used in Siddha medicine. Its leaves are full of medicinal properties. The tree is a good source for calcium and phosphorus. In Siddha medicines, these drumstick seeds are used as a sexual virility drug for treating erectile dysfunction in men and also in women for prolonging sexual activity. The Moringa seeds yield 38â��40% edible oil (called ben oil from the high concentration of behenic acid contained in the oil). The refined oil is clear, odorless, and resists rancidity at least as well as any other botanical oil. The seed cake remaining after oil extraction may be used as a fertilizer or as a flocculent to purify water. Sonjna (Moringa oleifera)trunk in Kolkata, West Bengal, India The bark, sap, roots, leaves, seeds, oil, and flowers are used in traditional medicine in several countries. In Jamaica, the sap is used for a blue dye. The flowers are also cooked and relished as a delicacy in West Bengal and Bangladesh, especially during early spring. There it is called sojne ful and is usually cooked with green peas and potato. Wikipedia thanks for looking and any comments

Comments (71)

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Richardphotos

5:45AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

little tiny spiders lives on this tree during Summer. their webs are so small I can not hardly see them until I take a macro unless they catch sun light just right

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STEVIEUKWONDER

5:51AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

With all that potential sex going on at the address Richard, I'm surprised if you have time to create any more fractals, or Poser work, which, incidentally, is really getting seriously attractive, as are your intricate fractals, not to mention your spectacular photographic work. I'd give that tree away if I were you! Me and Cathy for example! lol Great work Sir! I must look up more about that plant, as it sounds very beneficial in so many ways, in all seriousness. Steve ;o)

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claude19

6:08AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

A very nice agricultural economics course, very well detailed! Distribution, nature of the tree, parasitism, coefficient of oilseed production and various uses in human food! But everything comes second, with the quality and beauty of this picture! Richard great THANKS!

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jmb007

6:12AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

plante aux propriete interessante!!beau cours de botanique et belle photo!!

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bimm3d

6:17AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

gorgeous photo!!

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mapps

6:21AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

wow very cool info and beautiful shot :-)

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morningglory

6:29AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

I'm seeing lots' of spring growth here also. Nice macro and info.

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rainbows

6:29AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

Interesting information and a splendid shot, Dear Richard. I have never heard of this plant. Hugs. Diane. xx

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knupps

6:35AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

Great capture and a taste of summer. Loved the info.

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Pierrot_Lunaire

6:41AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

Excellent capture!!!

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decie

6:59AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

so cool i cant wait for tings to come to life here in (Ireland) nice capture of it.

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MagikUnicorn

7:03AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

COOL Macro shot

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Minda

7:28AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

wow! This is beautiful macro shot Richard and great info...like the tittle..

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mickeyrony

7:33AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

Superb macro. One beauty and the wisdom of the artist. Cheer still and mile mercies, Richard. Still excel ((5++)) Superbe macro . Une beautée et la sagesse de l'artiste . Bravo encore et mile mercis ,Richard .Excellent encore ((5++))

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pixeluna

7:34AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

Thank you for the full info you've shared with us, Richard. It is a great ingredient for a vegetable stew in the Philippines where I grew up. I'm sure Minda will agree.:-D

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flora-crassella

7:45AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

wonderful to see fresh life!!!!

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Rainastorm

8:00AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

Oh to cool...Spring is just around the corner ere now...only a couple of blizzards to go. lol Awesome info also there...much I did not know or realize. Totally awesome plant.

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farmerC

8:01AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

This is Shining work.

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bakapo

8:16AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

oooh, nice shot! thanks for all the cool info on this plant, too.

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lwperkins

8:21AM | Wed, 27 January 2010

I never heard of this wonderful tree before--you'll have to take more pictures once the weather warms up and the tree is outside again! It has so many colors on those bud tips!