Moringa Wiki

Moringa information that anyone can write and edit.

Welcome to the Moringa Wiki, a growing collection of articles on everything related to Moringa. Anyone can create or edit any article, so we can all work together to build a store of knowledge.

People around the world have used the Moringa tree for a wide variety of purposes. These uses include the following: 

  1. Alley cropping: With their rapid growth, long taproot, few lateral roots, minimal shade and large production of high-protein biomass, Moringa trees are well-suited for use in alley cropping systems.
  2. Animal forage: Leaves are readily eaten by cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and rabbits. Leaves can also be used as food for carp and other fish.
  3. Domestic cleaning agent: Crushed leaves are used in some parts of Nigeria to scrub cooking utensils or to clean walls.
  4. Dye: The wood yields a blue dye which was used in Jamaica and Senegal.
  5. Fertilizer: The seed cake, although unsuitable as animal feed without treatment to remove the alkaloid and saponin content, can be used as a protein-rich plant fertilizer.
  6. Gum: The gum produced from a cut tree trunk has been used in calico printing, in making medicines and as a bland-tasting condiment.
  7. Honey clarifier: Powdered seeds can be used to clarify honey without boiling. Seed powder can also be used to clarify sugarcane juice.
  8. Honey producer: Flowers are a good source of nectar for honey-producing bees.
  9. Live fencing: A common use of Moringa trees is to produce live supports for fencing around gardens.
  10. Ornamental: In many countries, Moringa trees are planted in gardens and along avenues as ornamental trees.
  11. Plant disease prevention: Incorporating Moringa leaves into the soil before planting can prevent damping off disease (Pythium debaryanum) among seedlings.
  12. Pulp: The soft, spongy wood makes a poor firewood, but the wood pulp is suitable for making newsprint and writing paper.
  13. Rope-making: The bark of the tree can be beaten into a fiber for production of ropes or mats.
  14. Tannin: The bark and gum can be used in tanning hides.

(Source: Fuglie, Lowell J., ed. (2001) The Miracle Tree - Moringa Oleifera: Natural Nutrition for the Tropics. Church World Service, Dakar, Senegal.)

 

 

Disclaimer: Content on this article are works of individual users, and do not necessarily reflect the work of Trees for Life Journal, its editorial board or board of trustees.


Add Comment

 Copyright © 2024 Trees for Life Journal
 All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners.

Powered By Geeklog