DRUMSTICK TREE

DRUMSTICK TREE

1. Common & Scientific Name + Family

Common Name: Drumstick tree / Moringa / Sahjan

Scientific Name: Moringa oleifera

Family: Moringaceae

2. Local Uses & Fun Facts

🍲 Edible Uses:

Tender pods (“drumsticks”) used in curries, sambhar, soups.

Leaves are eaten as vegetables, chutneys, or powders — highly nutritious.

Seeds yield edible oil (“Ben oil”).

🌿 Medicinal Uses:

Known as a superfood — rich in vitamins, calcium, iron, and antioxidants.

Used for anemia, malnutrition, high blood pressure, and inflammation.

🌳 Fun Facts:

Called “Miracle Tree” or “Tree of Life” because every part of the tree is useful.

Its seeds can purify water naturally by removing impurities.

3. Ecological Role

🌱 Soil & Climate Benefits: Grows fast, even in dry regions; prevents soil erosion.

🐝 Pollinator Friendly: Flowers attract bees and insects.

🌍 Sustainable Tree: Low water requirement, improves food security in dry zones.

4. Cultural Significance

🕉 Religious: Often considered auspicious in South Indian households; leaves used in rituals.

🍲 Food Culture: Essential in South Indian cuisine (sambhar), North Indian dals, and rural diets.

🌿 Symbolism: Represents health, vitality, and resilience.

🌎 Global Recognition: Promoted worldwide as a solution to malnutrition and food scarcity.