MORINGA STENOPETALA - AN INSIGHT INTO AFRICAN MORINGA SPECIES
There are around 13 moringa species found growing all over the world ,out of which Moringa oleifera of Indian origin is the only dominant species grown everywhere for its nutrient , pharmaceutical and therapeutic values ,besides possessing desirable attributes like very fast growth and quick regeneration ability , early flowering ,high mineral nutrients , amino acids , vitamin , proteins & bioactive compounds
Whereas Moringa stenopetala is a species of African origin ,equally important for its antioxidant content ,being grown in Ethiopia and Kenya . It is a drought resistant species for that matter the tree develops bulged trunk at base ,mainly to store water for use during extreme drought . Growing mainly under drought , stenopetala moringa produces more alkaloids and polyphenols , bit more than Oleifera species .
Hence crossbreeding between oleifera and stenopetala may produce new moringa hybrid , with best of the positive attributes from two species combined into one single moringa plant .
However the stenopetala is a slow growing species producing flowers quite late with delayed regeneration and canopy development . The pods are twisted and not as tasty as oleifera.
