Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
Name: drumstick tree, horseradish tree, moringa (Moringa oleifera).
Height: up to 12m but normally pruned back to around 2m.
Foliage: pale green, feathery leaves.
Climate: warm temperate to sub-tropical/tropical.
Soil: well-drained, fertile loam with added organic matter; slightly acid to neutral pH (6.2–7). In high rainfall areas plant on a raised mound.
Position: full sun, loves heat.
Flowering: perfumed creamy-white flowers in racemes.
Feeding: use a long-term controlled-release fertiliser.
Watering: keep moist while young; older plants can rely on rainfall.
Moringa grows quickly to 10–12m high. In the garden, cut it back to about 2m every year so its shoots and flowers are within arm's reach.
It has whitish-grey corky bark, pale green ‘feathery' leaves, perfumed creamy-white flowers, long pods that turn brown when mature and dark brown seeds. It has a deep tap root, which has a horseradish-like flavour.
Moringa is part of the normal diet on the Indian subcontinent and is gaining popularity in the western world, where it is claimed to be a ‘super food'.
The young shoots, flowers and young seed pods are high in antioxidants, vitamins and vital nutrients, and are commonly added to soups and curries. The leaves are used to make a herbal tea, or can be dried and crushed to a powder, which can be taken in capsules. The root can be peeled and grated as a substitute for horseradish.
The oil extracted from mature seeds is said to have antifungal properties, and may be included in creams and soaps.
Before adding moringa to your diet, do your own research. Some plants can have unpleasant side effects. The leaves of moringa, for example, are said to have a mildly laxative effect, and may cause digestive disturbances in some people.
Pro tip: moringa likes a well-drained soil which is slightly acidic (pH 6.2–7). In the garden, a loamy soil with plenty of added compost and well-weathered manure is ideal. In high rainfall areas, plant it on a mound to ensure excess water drains away from the roots.
Moringa thrives in full sun and loves heat. It does best in tropical, sub-tropical and even arid areas.
Trees should be pruned in the cool season to about 2m high.
Moringa is reasonably drought-tolerant. It hates 'wet feet', however, and will quickly show signs of distress if the soil holds water for long periods after rain or watering.
It will need regular watering in the first year or so after planting, but once established it will do well on rainfall alone.
It's a different matter in pots, however, where the roots are unable to grow down deep in search of moisture. Water the pot well, making sure that excess water drains away freely, then don't water again until the top 15–20cm of potting mix has dried out.
Moringa should be given 2 applications of a six-month controlled-release fertiliser each year – 1 in late winter and the other in late summer. Read the label for details about how much to apply.
From spring to late summer, liquid or water-soluble fertilisers may also be used to give trees an added boost.
In spring, add compost and weathered manure as a mulch over the roots of trees in the garden.
Moringa is not affected by any serious diseases, but may be attacked by common garden pests like aphids, caterpillars in all areas, and fruit flies in warm climates. Pyrethrum- based insecticides will take care of the aphids and caterpillars. Ask for assistance when buying and using fruit fly controls – there are specific products available.
Konjac: grown for its starchy tubers, which are used in Japanese and Chinese cooking; vegan substitute for gelatine.
Wasabi: popular in Japanese cuisine, wasabi grows in most climates; the strongly flavoured rhizome is edible.
Onions: pungent edible bulbs used to add intense flavour in cooking; white, brown and green are popular
Check out our huge range of plants now and get your garden growing!
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
