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Anoma moringa, Guilandia moringa, Hyperanthera arborea, Hyperanthera decandra, Hyperanthera moringa, Hyperanthera pterygosperma, Moringa domestica, Moringa edulis, Moringa erecta, Moringa moringa, Moringa nux-eben, Moringa octogona, Moringa parvifolia, Moringa polygona, Moringa pterygosperma, Moringa robusta, Moringa sylvestris, Moringa zeylanica
Benzoil tree, drumstick tree, horseradish tree
Moringa oleifera is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Moringa, which is the only genus in the family Moringaceae. English common names include: moringa, drumstick tree (from the appearance of the long, slender, triangular seed-pods), horseradish tree (from the taste of the roots, which resembles horseradish), ben oil tree, or benzoil tree (from the oil which is derived from the seeds). It is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree, native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India, and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas where its young seed pods and leaves are used as vegetables. It can also be used for water purification and hand washing, and is sometimes used in herbal medicine.
Moringa oleifera, also known as the drumstick tree, is a drought-tolerant plant native to India and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. In Qatar, it has been found to grow well due to its adaptability to arid conditions. Research in Qatar has highlighted the plant's potential for:
* Water conservation: Moringa oleifera can thrive with minimal water requirements, making it suitable for Qatar's water-scarce environment.
* Food security: The plant's leaves, seeds, and pods are edible and rich in nutrients, providing a valuable source of nutrition.
* Medicinal uses: Studies have confirmed the plant's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which could contribute to traditional medicine in Qatar.
Overall, Moringa oleifera is a versatile and resilient plant that can contribute to sustainable agriculture, food security, and healthcare in Qatar.
Drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera) on Al Nada Street in Al Doha Al Jadeeda area. Doha, Qatar, March 21, 2014
Al Nada Street, Doha, Qatar
Drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera) with fruits in West Bay, in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, December 20, 2014Al Khulaifat Street, Doha, Qatar
Flowers of drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera) on Ibn Zaidoun Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, March 28, 2016Ibn Zaidoun St, Doha, QatarObservations of Moringa oleifera in Qatar have shown that the plant can thrive in various areas of Doha. A drumstick tree was spotted on Al Nada Street in Al Doha Al Jadeeda area as early as March 21, 2014. By December 20, 2014, a tree with fruits was observed in West Bay, Onaiza area, indicating the plant's ability to produce fruit in the local climate. Further observations on Ibn Zaidoun Street in Onaiza area on March 28, 2016, revealed the presence of flowers, suggesting that Moringa oleifera can complete its life cycle in Qatar. These sightings demonstrate the plant's adaptability and potential for growth in the region. The tree's ability to produce fruits and flowers in different areas of Doha highlights its hardiness and suitability for cultivation in Qatar's environment.
www.catalogueoflife.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.