Horse-radish tree
Family Moringaceae
Moringa oleifera, the horse-radish tree (M. oleifera 4), is a small tree, up to 10 m high, with alternate pinnate leaves and fragrant yellowish-white flowers in axillary inflorescences (M. oleifera 3), The fruit is an oblong capsule.(M. oleifera 1)
The plant derives its name from the horse-radish taste of its roots.
Distribution
The horse-radish tree is indigenous from the Mediterranean region to India (Moringaceae 1) and in southern Africa.
Use
The young leaves and fruits (M. oleifera 2) are eaten as a vegetable. From the ripe seeds ben oil is extracted, used for culinary purposes and the manufacture of soap.