Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Importance and uses

Moringa
Botanical Name : Moringa oleifera
Family : Moringaceae
Chromosome number : 2n =28
Origin : North West Indian and African tropics

Importance and uses
Drumstick is one of the most popular vegetables in the south Indian households. The fruits, leaves and flowers are used in culinary preparation. Immature fruits are cut into pieces and used in several culinary dishes. The roots of the plant are used for seasoning pickles. It is highly valued for the distinct and appealing flavour for its tender fruits.
They are rich source of protein, minerals and vitamins. Seeds contain an oil called ben or behen oil which has been much used for illumination, soap industry and highly priced for lubricating watches, computers , delicate machinery etc. Seeds contain 38-40% of non drying oil which is clear and odourless, never becoming rancid. It is edible and useful in the manufacture of perfumes and hair dressing.
The press cake remaining after oil extraction is high in saponin, not edible, but utilized as manure. The oilcake is a water coagulant and used for purifying effluent water. It is used as organic substitute for water purifying chemicals such as alminium sulphate. Wood yields blue dye and coarse fibre. The plant is used for treatment of rheumatism and as cardiac and circulating stimulants.