About

Moringa stenopetala, commonly known as the African Moringa or cabbage tree, is a deciduous tree in the plant genus Moringa, native to Kenya and Ethiopia. A drought-resistant species, it is characterized by its bottle-shaped trunk, long twisted seed pods, and edible leaves likened to cabbage, from which its common name is derived. M. stenopetala is extirpated in the wild in Ethiopia, though still grown there as a crop on the terraces of the Ethiopian Highlands, mainly in the Konso region.

Like its widely cultivated relative M. oleifera, Moringa stenopetala is a multipurpose tree: the leaves, pods, and flowers are edible and nutritious; the seeds contain an aromatic oil with culinary and cosmetic applications; and the seed press cake or powdered bark can be used for water purification. It is featured in various dishes and has a history of uses in folk medicine throughout its native range.

How to grow it

Moringa stenopetala was planted by agriculturalists on the complex system of terraces built high up in the Ethiopian Highlands, where they became domesticated and were bred to improve productivity, the taste of their leaves, and the size of their seeds. Since then, the improved trees have been introduced into other areas such as the Kenyan Rift Valley.

In present-day Ethiopia, M. stenopetala is mostly known for its importance as a nutritious vegetable food crop in the terraced fields of Konso, where it is cultivated for its leaves and pods. Propagation is easiest from seeds, although plants grown from cuttings may flower and fruit sooner (within several months). Kept moist and in full sun, seeds placed 1–2 cm deep in well-draining soil typically germinate about a week after sowing. Temperatures for optimal growth and production in the Ethiopian Rift Valley range from 15 to 33 °C (59 to 91 °F), corresponding with elevations of 1,150–1,800 m (3,770–5,910 ft).

Where it grows

Sparsely distributed across the Horn of Africa, Moringa stenopetala is endemic to southern Ethiopia, northern Kenya, and possibly Somalia. Extant populations are poorly documented, but have been identified in the wild in at least five localities across the Kenyan Rift Valley—one on Ol Kokwe Island in Lake Baringo and four around the shores of Lake Turkana. Records of wild specimens from other east African countries, including Djibouti, Sudan, and Uganda, have been deemed unreliable. M. stenopetala trees are widely cultivated in southern Ethiopia, where they were likely sourced from a now-extinct population near Lake Chew Bahir. Since modern times, the species has steadily been introduced across tropical Africa: it is found as far west as Senegal and as far south as Malawi.

Uses

The leaves, seeds, flowers and young pods of M. stenopetala are all edible and commonly feature in dishes across its distribution range. Over 5 million people are estimated to consume M. stenopetala on a regular basis; it is especially favored by various ethnic groups of Ethiopia's SNNP Region.

Other Moringa plants

Bottle Tree · Horseradishtree · African Moringa · Moringas