drumstick tree

Melissa starts with ...
I am thinking of trying a drumstick tree...it is said t have edible everthing ...including the flowers.Does anyone have experience with this tree?
And if so what do all the bits taste like?

kim says...
The tree is very easy to plant. I have never watered the tree once the plant was established and quite easy to strike from cuttings.
It is hard to describe taste but the roots are supposed to taste like horseradish, not that I have tried it. The drumsticks have a slight bitter taste. Before I continue, I must state that I am no the cook in the family. The drumsticks are cut into short pieces and cooked with your curry. You chew on the stick, suck out the soft centre and discard the hard fibrous outer part. The drumsticks are harvested before they are fully mature. It took some trial and error to arrive at when to harvest.
The leaves and flowers are stirred fried with dessicated coconut and some curry powder.
If you have some Indian friends, they would be able to tell you more. It is a delicacy among all my Indian friends.

Melissa says...
Thanks Paul what did the flowers taste like? :)

riki says...
I planted a drumstick tree about two months back here in the mid mountains in nsw and it seems to have died back. I'm hoping that it has just gone to sleep for the winter. However i researched it quite a bit and apparently the seed pods are supposed to taste like asparagus, the leaves are edible and highly nutritious and the root is edible too. If you google drumstick there is a heap of information. Sorry cannot tell you about it firsthand

Mrs Turner says...
Hi Melissa,
Drumstick tree (malunggay)is regarded as one of the most nutritious plant in the Philippines where I came from because it is high in protein. I suggest not to plant near the house as the tree is a soft wood type and could easily break when during strong winds. It can grow very tall (7-10 metres)and if you can not avoid planting it near the house you will need to prune it hard so it stays to a manageable height. It likes very rich deep soil, thrives in tropical to subtropical condition and needs a lot of sunshine. I live in Newcastle and had a friend who got one in their backyard. It would require a protected area from frost if you live in cooler areas. The leaves when cooked taste a little bit like spinach, which has a bit tangy and just a tiny bit bitter so it is never eaten raw. It is easier to eat the fruit when it is sliced out of the shell. To do this, slice the fruit lengtwise into four or quarters then run the blade of your knife close to the skin. The fruit and flowers can be added in stir fries, and including the leaves they can be cooked as curries, or with coconut cream. We cook it with mungbean into a thick vegetable soup with minced pork or chicken or prawns. You can substitute the drumstick leaves to any dish that uses spinach.

Glory says...
Is drumstick tree grow in Melbourne?

Bruce Carnwell says...
Hi, I am trying to buy a Drumstick Tree (Moringa pterygosperma) but it is very difficult to find someone who stocks this tree. Can someone suggest a nursery or would it be possible to take a cutting from an existing tree from someone that lives nearby? Thanks for any help!

Bruce Carnwell says...
Hi Kim,
That is excellent! My email is: Bruce.Carnwell@qld.democrats.org.au so if you could send me some contact details off-forum that would be great!
Thanks, Bruce.

kim says...
HI Peter,
You are welcomed to a cutting but was wondering whether spring would be a better time to put in a cutting. Give me your email address and we can discuss this further.

juanita says...
I've grown drumstick trees/moringa oleifeira successfully from seeds. Out of 6 seeds only 2 germinated...1 tree is about 12 inches tall & the other one is slightly smaller (it's their 2nd winter)....They don't seem to be affected by the cold weather provided you keep them in the gh away from cold draught & rain...I'll post a pix later on.

Glory says...
Hi Juanita, Could you tell me where can i get the drumstick seeds or plants here in Melbourne? Ta

russell says...
If someone could provide me some cuttings I will give them macadamia nuts in return if anyone is interested.
Also out of interest there is a tree called a wampi (originating in thailand) that grows well in frost prone areas. Its bears fruit like a cross between a longan and a lemon. Looks a bit like a longan but is a bit tart to eat. Very pleasant.
Russ.

juanita says...
My small potted drumstick tree is thriving well in this cold frosty Melb winter.

Pictures - Click to enlarge
Picture: 1	Picture: 2

Ellen says...
To Juanita

do you put the Drumstick tree potted in a hot house during cold winter or do you left it unprotected outdoor ?

tony daniel says...
Hi Melissa

The drumstick plant is very versatile. Normally its leaves and elongated fruit pods are used in Indian cooking. The leaves have a light bitter taste and the pods have to be used when it is tender, if not it tends to be woody. It is said to be a good remedy for diabetes. Usually it can be used to stir fry on its own or with other veges. When in abundance the flowers are also used for cooking, but then, you don't get the pods, not a good idea. Once again, try to use tender leaves and pods. It is easy to like the taste when properly cooked with the right ingredients. It is one of my favourites.

Ganesh Bhat says...
Drum stick plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It sheds leaves in winter,being soft wooded tree it needs to be protected from stong wind. I am trying to get a cutting of the plant in Perth. This plant used to grow by itself in our farm in India. This green vegetable, including leaves or white flowers add great flavour to many south Inidan curries. Helps to reduce diabetis and cholesterol.

Mrs Turner says...
Hi Rose,
Sorry for the delay in my response. I am not getting an update from the forum regularly. Anyway, Belmont is in Lake Macquarie near Newcastle. I think you shouldn't have any problem growing malunggay in Sydney provided it gets a lot of sun and the soil is well draining. A friend in Dubbo said his plant died due to root rot one winter. I replanted mine because it is not getting a lot of sun and I thought it died but it is recovering well. They are very hardy in tropical to subtropical climates.

Darsh says...
I am certainly interested in getting either seeds or cutting. If anyone can help out in Brisbane that would be great. My email is darshan82@gmail.com

Hans says...
ah, our email address is dairyville@bigpond.com,

Ellen says...
Hurry, Hurry, step right up and order your Drumstick tree right here at Daleys, currently they are holding 16 young Drumstick tree in stock .

juanita says...
Hi Ellen,
I just saw your post today as i don't usually show up here often, 1st of all i would like to greet everyone's here happy new yr!...My potted moringa has always been kept in unheated small gh away from cold draught & rain, still thriving well..I don't think i'll be transferring it in ground.

Ellen says...
Juanita

Your drumstick is only growing heightwise not very robust with leaves and branches wise, you know why?

Because you have that shady green thingy covered up in your gh, uncovered it, as this plant needs plenty of heat and sunlight, don't worry as long as it's in a big pot , soil is plenty of moisture, it can stand even in 41 degree Celcius.

thanks to this hot weather we've been up here in Sydney, my Drumstick is springing small brances, I loves it, it will flower soon, I hopes .

Beryl Evans says...
Hi John, seeds can be purchased by mail order from Yilgarn Traders in Geraldton Tel: 08 9938 1628 email: yilgarn@midwest.com.au. Because of the slow start to summer here, I planted my seeds only 4 weeks ago and 2 out of the 8 have so far germinated. I keep them in the warmest part of my garden, but sitting in semi-shade under other plants, but they still get quite a bit of sunlight.

Fortune Bullen says...
Hi Juanita, Im moving from Qld to Melb and i have a friend who has a small malunggay plant growing for me. Just wondering with your pots, how do you care for them in melb with the frost and cold and rain? And if mine didnt survive, would you know how i could get some in Melbourne? Kind regards

Sherly says...
Does anyone know where I can get this Malunggay tree in Sydney?

Mark says...
you can buy Moringa at the big nursery at Fairfield area. http://www.bonnyrigggardencentre.com.au/outdoor.htm

Im after Moringa in Brisbane...anyone got a spare cutting or seed?
markh79@gmail.com

sal says...
hi kim
i would love to have a cut or a seed of your moringa.
Would you be able to email me please
thanks

sal says...

my email add. is msalma16@yahoo.com.au

Kim says...
Ruth, If you can come and collect, I can give you cuttings. I am in Greenbank.
Kim

enija says...
Hello, Is there anyone out there who knows where one can get hold of (purchase) somehow a cutting, or a seedling of sorts of the moringa tree? And does anyone know how long it takes to grow from seed, (those which would successfully germinate. Much appreciated.

Senthil says...
The Indian shop called "Udhaya Spices" in Wentworthville sell these plants in pots. I think it costs $20

Charles cant spell says...
Jim,

How goes the drumstick trees and do you have any spares I could trade for something else? I can give you my list of plants if your interested in swapping something else edible/medicinal. Give me an email on charlesotwayAThotmail.com if you dont mind.
Cheers.

robyn says...
could anyone help with a stockist of the drumstick tree, in brisbane

robyn says...
thanks kim still havent found tree, so until september thanks robyn

Rev says...
Russell what variety do you have?

theres a common that is short to medium in length and 3 cornered in cross section - lets say 15-30cm

and theres the select Indian type thats about twice as long again and more cylindrical (to 60cm+)

thats the one you cant get seeds of because those who have it wont share! they know how valuable it is selling produce to asian grocery stalls!

ive prized the seeds from these long pods and tried to grow them, i once got 1 sickly seedling up but it didnt make it. i guess ill keep hunting :D sooner or later ill hit paydirt

For myself im not so fussed about the pods. They are okra-like, but a good okra is far superior. The value i find in moringa is in the leaves and flowers. they are great greens to add into a SE asian curry. High in protein and in among those the rare amino acids Methionine and Tryptophan - brain and mood food. Its also incredibly high in pro-vitamin A and other vitamins
the roots are claimed to be useful as a horseradish substitute. I can see why people wanted a susbtitute, horseradish is fantastic! (IMHO!)
but in reality the compound in moringa roots is actually a Toxin that can damage Kidneys and other organs over time and you shouldnt eat it

Ive seen Moringa doing quite well in Adelaide (Gardening australia segment mid 90's) and Perth (Morley)
You are prob correct insomuch as they wouldnt like a cool summer climate
but they do handle winter cold much better, though might rot in a wet winter climate with heavy soils

Russell says...
Hi, The trees themselves are 18 months old and are 15 feet high(the unpruned ones) The seed pods are approx 30cm long and as round as a large cigar (but 3 sided)As far as I know this variety would have come from the Phillipines originally. The seeds are very fertile and grow readily. Very tough, I actually tore one of the seeds from the seedling when transplanting , but it still grew.
I am going to plant a 100 or so and try them as stock feed this year.
Russ
Ps. We only eat the leaves in a fish soup. But in phil u can buy dried leaf capsules and such. I eat a bit of raw leaf myself cuz it tastes like water cress somewhat to me. Never tried the pods as the seeds are too valuable to me any.

Rev says...
No prob Rob

just email me at revile1@gmail.com
ill probably have some seeds up at www.tropicalfoodforest.com later

first i need to sample them to make sure they are good, then ill put up a few seed packs
Ill be having a go with cuttings shortly.
I think i may have recently gfounda longer round form too
so if cuttings work thatd be great

Hey Russel
thanks for the info
sounds like you and i both have mostly the more common type in qld
nothing wrong with that of course, its well proven!
On an aquaponics forum a woamn saids shed feeds the leaves to her Jade perch and they love it

robyn says...
russell, could i buy some of the seeds, my phone no. is 07 34112760. if you are in brisbane perhaps i can pick them up, or come to some other arrangement thanks robyn

Sophie says...
I'm in Maitland and would love to get a cutting of the Moringa tree, can anyone help please?

Jim says...
Hi Pauline

Your best chance is to order some seeds, from my experience they grow very fast. Try ebay or one of the seed suppliers on the internet.

copingwithclay says...
The one year old double-trunk Moringa tree in my yard had to endure several 20 degree nights in early February. Before the first winter freeze it was enclosed in a 2 foot tall, 2 foot diameter circle of wire fence, and then dry leaves were stuffed inside to insulate this area. Yesterday I removed the winter 'coat' and was glad to see that the covered trunks were very alive. Of course, the exposed area had died earlier in the winter. With the enclosure now gone, the twin trunks should grow side branches to start the new growing season.

John Mc says...
This is the second time I've read about Bonnyrigg Garden Centre. Do they have the variety of fruit trees as Canley Vale Nursery? They don't appear to be too far from each other looking on google maps.

Maria says...
Hi John, I've never been to Canley Vale nursery but now that you've mentioned it, I would like to go and have a look. I might find something interesting to buy. Bonnyrigg Garden Centre stocks a variety of unusual fruit trees from Asia, South America and the Mediterranean although I think Daleys Nursery has got more exotic varieties...

Russell\'s Food Forests says...
As I have stated in this forum before I have Moringa seeds for sale. Email me at russ_drinkwater@yahoo.com.au or write to russell drinkwater, p.o.box 22, eidsvold.4627.q. And I will supply you with seeds.
Russ

afsariq says...
It's quite surprising to know that your Moringa tree survived the winter. Which city do you live in Texas?

Also, I would like to learn from your experience how to protect them from harsh winters.

I had a couple of Moringa trees in my backyard until last year, I had them in two large containers in the backyard for one year and brought them in my garage for the winter. I planted them in the ground very early in March last year and they grew 12 feet tall and also gave us approx. 200 long and healthy fruits which my entire family and friends enjoyed all last year. Unfortunately, even after taking ample precautions they didn't survived this year. I would appreciate if you can give some detailed steps to take this time since I have a couple of them growing in pots again and plan to put them in the ground early next year again.

Pictures - Click to enlarge
Picture: 1

Mike says...
Moringas are commonly grown around here and mine died after snapping off and bug attck this year.They are usually very hardy and flower alot.Most people seem to use the flowers rather than the pods.I have heard the name drunstick tree and sator applied to Parkia speciosa which is a more eagerly sort bean tree with pungent seeds.

afsariq says...
Copingwithclay,

No, I didn't received your reply and eagerly waiting to see one from you.

Please e mail it to afsariq@hotmail.com

Thank you,

Susana says...
The leaves, flowers and fruit can be used in corn soup and dahl. We also cook the leaves and flowers in mung bean soup. The fruit is also nice cooked with coconut milk. The leaves, flowers and fruit goes well with chicken, prawn and diced pork.

Although I have never tried it, some one in this forum said you can eat the leaves raw and mixed in salad and it tasted like a spinach. I thought it is a bit tangy to be eaten raw, I prefer it cooked.

Lissa says...
Hi Afsariq. Has your potted Moringa sent roots out the bottom of the pot into the soil?
I now have some smaller plants have come up - so have around 6 seedlings. Quite big eventually so will just keep one for myself and share the others with friends.

Letting my subconscious deal with the problem of where I will eventually grow it, but will probably keep in a pot the way you have - it seems quite happy.

Once a week water for it?

Lissa says...
Wow! Look at your fruit on that tree. Has it grown this big in a year from seed? Wondering if this is what I can look forward to.

afsariq says...
I have heard it does but, haven't notice any yet. One good thing it attracts is big black Bhanwara's-:)

I am also attaching a picture I just took today.

Pictures - Click to enlarge
Picture: 1

afsariq says...
I have no idea what went wrong with the pictures I uploaded.

Meanwhile, my potted Moringa is giving a lot og fruits and we are all enjoying them here.

Here is the picture of a big black bee that it attracts. We also called it Bhanwara.

Pictures - Click to enlarge
Picture: 1

xman says...
Hi afsariq,

I live in Dallas too and am trying to grow moringa in pots, even though the plants are about 4 -5 months old they are thin and tall (about 2 feet) with only a few leaves on top. What am I doing wrong, currently they are in 3 gallon size pots in miracle gro soil?

By the way your tree look amazing and nice fruits!! What variety of moringa is this and where did you get the seeds?

thanks,
xman

John Mc says...
I bought 20 of Moringa Oleifera Seed PKM1 Variety? The ebay seller recons it's the ducks guts of moringa? Can anyone tell me if there is any real difference?
Here's the ebay sellers spool:

"This seed is newly imported from India and as far as I am aware is generally unavailable in AUSTRALIA , It is an improved cultivar giving not only way more fruit but increased growth and larger seed pods, with fruit ready for harvest in around 150 days. The highest yeilding giving 400/fruits per tree and av/30 seeds per pod. You might say it is the duck's Nuts of Moringa."

A link to the item:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/280724884430?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Any feedback appreciated.

John Mc says...
Thanks xman. It looks like I should be planting some "ordinary" moringa oleifera as well going by the characteristics you've listed above. There's none listed on Ebay atm so I'll have to be patient, Daley's are in production as well.

Lissa says...
I bought my seed from eBay - followed directions for germination which involved soaking the seed and then putting them into a plastic bag and storing in a dark cupboard until they sprouted.

Out of 20 odd seed only a tiny few spouted but I planted them all anyway.

Out of these,the rats ate all bar one out of the grow pots. That one is still with me thank goodness lol. Tiny but growing.

Phil@Tyalgum says...
Hey John is there a trick to germinating them - I bought some about a year ago and had no success at all. Thanks.

Phil@Tyalgum says...
Actually might be taking a drive to Daleys tomorrow, see if they have a seedling or two for sale. Thanks in advance John - I might need to get in touch again if they're outta stock.

John Mc says...
Yes. going to Daley's is like making a once in a lifetime trip to mecca. I'm going to make the treck, and hopefully sooner than later. Errr, that's to Daley's, not Mecca.

JK says...
Lost my drumstick in the winter. Will someone supply me with a plant or cutting,
In Perth, WA

Lambo says...
Can anyone tell me how this tree will handle the wet wet tropics

JUJUBE FOR SALE IN MELBOURNE says...
Hi Lambo

I have seen a tree in the Cairns botanical garden doing well so I think it should be ok to grow this drumstick tree in Bingil bay.

nick giancola says...

I have just come across this forum and am very happy to read all the comments.
I have been propergating the drumstick tree for a while now. I have seedlings for sale here in West Australia I also have seed to send any where if permitted

Toni says...
Hi Nick, I would like to by buy some seedlings. My email address is hobiegirl@hotmail.com If possible would like to organise to pick up before Christmas

Simon says...
Hi Nick,
Which suburb are you in? I would like to get in tourch to get some seedlings. My email address is vengold@upnaway.com

Fruit Lover says...
Hi Nick,
Please could you post your sales contact EMAIL in this thread so we can contact you direct for sales.

nick giancola says...
Hi Fruitlover.
My contact is
nick.giancola@ceramictilescentre.com.au

Noel says...

Hi Nick,
Which suburb are you in? I would like to get in touch to get some seedlings/seeds. My email address is towerofpower7@hotmail.com

Denise says...
Hello, I read about your neighbour having a drumstick tree. I bought a small one at a Herb Farm on the Sunshine Coast Queensland, for $20, and it has died when I moved it from its small pot into the soil. Would your friend have any seeds that I could buy. thankyou. Denise

juanita says...
Has anyone grown drumstick tree in pot or inground successfully in Melbourne? Give us some helpful hints if you have pls!...Here's one of the small siblings pix,it has survived 4 winters & grow pretty slow.The original plant (their mom)w/c i propagated from seeds has been dead ages ago...

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Picture: 1

Rebecca says...
I was given 2 only WAMPI fruits - I ate 1 & would like to grow the other..can anyone give me advice as to the best way to grow from seed please? The flavour is fabulous & I'd love 1 of these trees in my garden.

I live in Southport Gold Coast - high humidity & strong sea breezes..many thanks..

glennis says...
There is a better way .