Moringa ovalifolia Seeds -Phantom Tree, Sprokiesboom- Edible Medicinal Vegetable Bonsai

Moringa ovalifolia Seeds

Phantom Tree, Ghost Tree, African Moringo; Sprokiesboom, Meelsakboom

Moringa is the sole genus in the family Moringaceae. There are 13 species of Moringa ranging in size from small herbs to massive trees. Moringa ovalifolia is widely distributed in the desert and semi desert areas of Namibia and northwards into Angola. The name ovalifolia refers to the oval shaped leaves. Common names include Phantom Tree, Ghost Tree, African Moringo, Sprokiesboom and Meelsakboom. It is commonly seen on mountainous, rocky terrain and rocky escarpment passes. An area of the Etosha National Park is known as Sprokjeswoud (Haunted Forest), where dense stands of these trees grow. This species is well adapted to the hot dry Namib Desert, storing water and nutrients in its trunk during the dry winter months. They are small deciduous trees up to seven metres high, with a thick bottle-shaped succulent trunk. The silvery bark reflects sunlight and prevents the tree from overheating during the heat of the day. They bear sprays of white flowers from late spring to late summer, after which triangular seed pods are formed and release winged seeds which are dispersed by wind during summer and autumn. Indigenous people as well as wild animals utilize the leaves, fruit and stem as a nutritional food source. Moringa ovalifolia is an ornamental tree with horticultural value. However, it is best suited to warm, dry, frost-free, bushveld or desert gardens. It is a decorative species, either planted singly or in groups. It is best grown in a sunny situation on a well-drained slope. Moringa ovalifolia is easily propagated from seed during the warm summer months. They grow well in pots and make stunning bonsai specimens.