Latin name - Moringa oleifera

Moringa is a must have tree for every food forest.  Every part of this plant is edible - the leaves, the seed pods, the roots, the flowers - and they all tout a large number of incredible nutritional and medicinal benefits, hence the nickname “Miracle Tree.” The leaves and seeds contain almost all essential nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, minerals like potassium, iron, and zinc, and a high concentration of protein.  Moringa has become a popular health supplement, there are many different moringa powders, capsules, teas available commercially.  According to a US manufacturer of moringa health food supplements, gram for gram moringa leaves contain: Twice the protein of yoghurt; four times the vitamin A of carrots; three times the potassium of bananas; four times the calcium of milk and seven times the vitamin C of oranges.  This drought tolerant tree is native to the foothills of the Himalayan mountains in India.  

It thrives in the heat and humidity in South Florida, providing a dappled shade to whatever plants are growing beneath.  It is prone to losing branches in high winds, planting where it gets some wind protection is a good idea.