Moringa stenopetala

The species was first described as Donaldsonia stenopetala by botanist Edmund G. Baker in 1896, based on the type specimen collected by Donaldson Smith along the northeastern shore of Lake Turkana. Emilio Chiovenda later described another specimen from Kenya as Moringa streptocarpa. In 1957, Georg Cufodontis identified these specimens to be morphologically similar and designated them as Moringa stenopetala, the officially accepted species name. The specific epithet stenopetala is derived from the Greek words stenos (narrow or straight) and petalum (petal), a reference to the shape of its petals. Along with at least twelve other species, M. stenopetala belongs to the monotypic genus Moringa, which is the sole representative of the family Moringaceae. Researchers have divided these species into three distinct groups: Moringa with eight, Dysmoringa with one, and Donadsonia with four. M. stenopetala belongs to the latter group, along with M. drouhardii and M. hildebrandtii, characterized by winged seeds and (almost) regular flowers with short receptacles and superior ovaries. M. stenopetala is known under various vernacular names throughout its native regions, including (h)aleko in the Gidole language (Gamo Gofa), shelagda or telchada in the Konso language, and Shiferaw in Amharic. In English, it is most commonly known as the African Moringa or cabbage tree, though these names may be shared with other Moringa species from Africa. ==Description==

'' in 1896 Moringa stenopetala is a perennial tree with a shrubby, rounded habit, growing to a height of in all but the most exceptional cases where it may reach high. Caudiciform or "bottle shaped", the trunk is bloated at the base and habitually forked, The leaves are light green when mature, up to long, and attached alternately to the stem by short petioles. Each leaflet is × in size and elliptical to ovate in shape, with an acute tip and a round-to-cuneate base. M. stenopetala features a busy, aromatic inflorescence, organized as dense panicles up to long. The individual flowers are bisexual, radially symmetrical, and pentamerous. The calyx is polysepalous and cream colored, sometimes flushed pink, with long sepals. The corolla is polypetalous and variably white, pale-yellow or yellow-green; its petals are roughly oblong in shape and in length. Covered by a cream to brownish husk with three papery wings, the seeds are oblong to triangular, long and wide, containing a smooth, whitish grey kernel. == Distribution, habitat and ecology ==

Sparsely distributed across the Horn of Africa, Extant populations are poorly documented, It is a quickly developing species; young plants can grow as high as in their first year and typically reach reproductive maturity after 2.5 years. Mature seeds may be dispersed by either wind or water. The foliage provides nutritious forage for both wild and domesticated ruminants, whereas the flowers serve as an important source of nectar for honeybees. ==Cultivation==

Moringa stenopetala was planted by agriculturalists on the complex system of terraces built high up in the Ethiopian Highlands, where they became domesticated and were bred to improve productivity, the taste of their leaves, and the size of their seeds. Since then, the improved trees have been introduced into other areas such as the Kenyan Rift Valley. In present-day Ethiopia, M. stenopetala is mostly known for its importance as a nutritious vegetable food crop in the terraced fields of Konso, where it is cultivated for its leaves and pods. Kept moist and in full sun, seeds placed 1–2 cm deep in well-draining soil typically germinate about a week after sowing. Temperatures for optimal growth and production in the Ethiopian Rift Valley range from , corresponding with elevations of . Collection of the leaves and fruits may start after two years, although traditional farmers usually wait 5 to 6 years before harvesting. ==Culinary use and nutrition ==

The leaves, seeds, flowers and young pods of M. stenopetala are all edible and commonly feature in dishes across its distribution range. Over 5 million people are estimated to consume M. stenopetala on a regular basis; Variables that may affect the nutrient – particularly mineral – compositions of M. stenopetala include the season, growing elevations, They may be served with bread as a nutritious addition to many meals. In the Konso region of Ethiopia, balls of mixed flours – and sometimes cereals – are typically boiled in salt water and served alongside the leaves. ==Other uses==

in the Gurage Zone of Ethiopia It is used for shading of Capsicum and Sorghum crops, and as a companion plant. When powdered, the tree bark has adsorbent properties which may be effective in industrial wastewater treatments. Folk medicine M. stenopetala has a history of purported applications in folk medicine throughout its native range. The Ilchamus people of Kenya chew or boil the roots for cough relief and strength. Among the Turkana people, those with leprosy drink a decoction of the leaves. The Konso people use the dried leaves to make a tea or herbal extract, which they believe to have a soothing effect on respiratory ailments. Sap extracts from the branches and leaves may be applied externally by the Dirashe people to promote hygiene. == Research ==

Like its sister species M. oleifera, Moringa stenopetala is under basic research to determine whether it has bioactive properties; its potential effects in humans remain unconfirmed. ==Gallery==

File:Moringa stenopetala tree trunk, Koko Crater Botanical Garden.jpg|The bloated water-storing trunk of a fully grown tree at Koko Crater Botanical Garden on Oahu, Hawaii File:Moringa stenopetala seed pods in tree.jpg|Branches with foliage and fruits at Koko Crater Botanical Garden File:Moringa stenopetala open seed pod.jpg|Open M. stenopetala fruit pod revealing mature seeds inside == See also ==