Moringa stenopetala

{{Short description|Species of tree}} {{Speciesbox | image = Moringa stenopetala - Fruit and Spice Park - Homestead, Florida - DSC08808.jpg | image_caption = A specimen at the Fruit and Spice Park in Redland, Florida | image2 = Moringa stenopetala flowers and leaves.jpg | image2_caption = Flowers and leaves, photographed on Oahu, Hawaii | genus = Moringa | species = stenopetala | authority = (Baker f.) Cufod.<ref name="grin1"> Under its current treatment of ''Moringa stenopetala'' (from its basionym, ''Donaldsonia stenopetala''), this species was published in ''Senckenbergiana Biologica'' 38: 407. 1957. {{GRIN | accessdate=January 1, 2012}}</ref> | synonyms = *''Donaldsonia stenopetala'' <small>Baker f.</small> (basionym) * ''Moringa streptocarpa'' <small>Chiov.</small> | synonyms_ref = <ref name=grin1/><ref name="grin2"> The basionym of ''Moringa stenopetala'', ''Donaldsonia stenopetala'', was first described and published in ''Journal of Botany, British and Foreign'' 1896: 53. 1896. {{GRIN | ''Donaldsonia stenopetala'' | 424400 | accessdate = January 1, 2012}}</ref> }}

'''''Moringa stenopetala''''', commonly known as the '''African Moringa''' or '''cabbage tree''', is a deciduous tree in the plant genus ''Moringa'', native to Kenya and Ethiopia.<ref name="AAA2015">{{cite journal | author1 = Leone, A. |author2=Spada, A. |author3=Battezzati, A. |author4=Schiraldi, A. |author5=Aristil, J. |author6=Bertoli, S. | title = Cultivation, genetic, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of ''Moringa oleifera'' leaves: An overview | journal = International Journal of Molecular Sciences | volume = 16 | pages = 12791–12835 | year = 2015 |issue=12 | doi = 10.3390/ijms160612791 | pmid=26057747 | pmc=4490473|doi-access=free |bibcode=2015IJMSc..1612791L }}</ref> A drought-resistant species, it is characterized by its bottle-shaped trunk, long twisted seed pods, and edible leaves likened to cabbage, from which its common name is derived. ''M. stenopetala'' is extirpated in the wild in Ethiopia, though still grown there as a crop on the terraces of the Ethiopian Highlands, mainly in the Konso region.

Like its widely cultivated relative ''M. oleifera'', ''Moringa stenopetala'' is a multipurpose tree: the leaves, pods, and flowers are edible and nutritious; the seeds contain an aromatic oil with culinary and cosmetic applications; and the seed press cake or powdered bark can be used for water purification. It is featured in various dishes and has a history of uses in folk medicine throughout its native range.

== Taxonomy == 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.<ref name=Baker>{{cite journal|author=Baker, E. G|year=1896|title=New African Plants|journal=Journal of Botany, British and Foreign|volume=34|pages=53–57|publisher=West, Newman & Co|url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/35905#page/68/mode/1up}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Habtemariam>{{cite book |author=Habtemariam, S.|year=2017|title=The African and Arabian Moringa Species|chapter=1: ''Moringa stenopetala''—Botanical and Ecological Perspectives|publisher=Elsevier|isbn=978-0-08-102294-8|edition=1|pages=3–12}}</ref> 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.<ref name=botdict>{{cite web|url=http://www.botanicalepithets.net/dictionary/dictionary.171.html|work=Dictionary of Botanical Epithets|title=stella - stolonifer|year=2019|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref>

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.<ref name=Habtemariam /><ref name=Olson2001>{{cite book|author1=Lianli, L. |author2=Olson, M.E|year=2001|chapter=Moringaceae|editor1=P.H. Raven |editor2=I. Al-Shehbaz |editor3=G. Zhu|title=Flora of China (Brassicaceae through Saxifragaceae)|volume=8|page=196|publisher=Missouri Botanical Garden Press|isbn=978-0-915279-93-7}}</ref> ''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.<ref name=Habtemariam />

''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.<ref name=Habtemariam />

==Description== [[File:First illustration of Moringa stenopetala (basonym Donaldsonia), from E. G. Baker's 1896 original description.jpg|165px|thumb|left|Illustration from the ''Journal of Botany, British and Foreign'' in 1896]] ''Moringa stenopetala'' is a perennial tree with a shrubby, rounded habit,<ref name=seednutrition>{{cite journal|title=Characterisation of ''Moringa stenopetala'' seed oil variety "Marigat" from island Kokwa|author1=Lalas, S. |author2=Tsaknis, J. |author3=Sflomos, K.|year=2003|journal=European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology|volume=105|issue=1|pages=23–31|doi=10.1002/ejlt.200390002}}</ref> growing to a height of {{convert|6|-|12|m|0|abbr=on}} in all but the most exceptional cases where it may reach {{convert|15|m|0|abbr=on}} high.<ref name=WAF /><ref name=ECHO>{{cite web|url=https://www.echocommunity.org/en/resources/8b52cd0f-d585-45df-905e-a93fa631a8bf.pdf|title=African Moringa Tree|work=Echo Plant Information Sheet|year=2019|publisher=ECHO}}</ref> Caudiciform or "bottle shaped",<ref name=PROTA2>{{cite book|title=Plant Resources of Tropical Africa|series=Plant Resources of Tropical Africa (PROTA)|volume=2: Vegetables|editor1=G.J.H. Grubben |editor2=O.A. Denton|year=2004|publisher=Earthprint Limited|author=Bosch, C.H.|chapter=Moringa|pages=395−398|isbn=978-90-5782-148-6}}</ref> the trunk is bloated at the base and habitually forked,<ref name=WAF /> with a diameter up to {{convert|1|m|0|abbr=on}}. The bark is smooth and whitish to light gray or silver, harboring soft wood underneath.<ref name=PROTA2 /> The crown is sprawling and heavily branched; younger shoots are characterized by a dense, velvety pubescence.<ref name=floraEA>{{cite book|title=Flora of Tropical East Africa|chapter=Moringaceae|publisher=CRC Press|year=1986|editor=R. M. Polhill|author=Verdcourt, B.|issue=80|isbn=978-1-84246-397-0}}</ref>

The leaves are light green when mature,<ref name=PGR-Ethiopia>{{cite book|chapter=Konso agriculture and its plant genetic resources|title=Plant Genetic Resources of Ethiopia|year=1991|publisher=Cambridge University Press|editor1=J.M.M. Engels |editor2=J.G. Hawkes |editor3=M. Worede|author1=Engels, J.M.M. |author2=Goettsch, E.|edition=1|isbn=978-0-521-38456-8}}</ref> up to {{convert|55|cm|0|abbr=on}} long, and attached alternately to the stem by short petioles.<ref name=PROTA2 /> They are bi- or tripinnate in composition, with about five pairs of pinnae and three to nine leaflets on each pinna.<ref name=WAF>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Moringa_stenopetala.PDF|title=Moringa stenopetala|work=Agroforestry Database 4.0|year=2009|publisher=World Agroforestry}}</ref> Each leaflet is {{convert|3.5|-|6.5|cm|1|abbr=on}} × {{convert|2|-|3.5|cm|1|abbr=on}} in size and elliptical to ovate in shape, with an acute tip and a round-to-cuneate base.<ref name=PROTA2 /> Stipule-like extrafloral nectaries are typically present at the base of the leaves.<ref name=PROTA2 /><ref name=bottleforms>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobot.org/gradstudents/olson/bottlespecies.html|title=Bottle Tree Form|website=Moringa Home Page|publisher=Missouri Botanical Garden|year=1999|author=Olson, M.}}</ref>

''M. stenopetala'' features a busy, aromatic inflorescence, organized as dense panicles up to {{convert|60|cm|0|abbr=on}} long. The individual flowers are bisexual, radially symmetrical, and pentamerous. The calyx is polysepalous and cream colored, sometimes flushed pink, with {{convert|4|-|7|mm|1|abbr=on}} long sepals. The corolla is polypetalous and variably white, pale-yellow or yellow-green; its petals are roughly oblong in shape and {{convert|8|-|10|mm|1|abbr=on}} in length.<ref name=PROTA2 /> Each flower features five stamens with white {{convert|4|-|6.5|mm|1|abbr=on}} long filaments and yellow {{convert|2|mm|1|abbr=on}} long anthers, as well as an indeterminate number of shorter staminodes.<ref name=floraEA /> The ovary is densely haired and superior, {{convert|2|mm|1|abbr=on}} long and ovoid in shape, transitioning to a smooth cylindrical style sans stigmatic lobes.<ref name=PROTA2 />

The fruits comprise {{convert|19.7|-|50|cm|1|abbr=on}} × {{convert|1.8|-|4|cm|1|abbr=on}} elongate pods which are initially twisted but gradually straight, sometimes torose (bulbous) around the encapsulated seeds.<ref name=floraEA /> Young pods are bright green,<ref name=moringaceae /> maturing to a reddish coloration with a grayish bloom.<ref name=floraEA /> The fruits are dehiscent, splitting open along three prominent valves when mature and releasing up to 20 seeds each.<ref name=seeds>{{cite journal|title=The potential of some ''Moringa'' species for seed oil production|journal=Agriculture|year=2018|volume=8|issue=10|page=150|author1=Boukandoul, S. |author2=Casal, S. |author3=Zaidi, F.|doi=10.3390/agriculture8100150|doi-access=free|bibcode=2018Agric...8..150B }}</ref> Covered by a cream to brownish husk with three papery wings, the seeds are oblong to triangular, {{convert|2.5|-|3.5|cm|1|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|1.5|-|2|cm|1|abbr=on}} wide,<ref name=PROTA2 /> containing a smooth, whitish grey kernel.<ref name=seeds />

== Distribution, habitat and ecology == Sparsely distributed across the Horn of Africa,<ref name=bottleforms /> ''Moringa stenopetala'' is endemic to southern Ethiopia, northern Kenya,<ref name=PROTA2 /> and possibly Somalia.<ref name=WAF /><ref name=Star>{{cite journal|title=''Moringa stenopetala'' tree species improved selected soil properties and socio-economic benefits in Tigray, northern Ethiopia|journal=Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal|year=2015|author1= Abay, A. |author2=Birhane, E. |author3=Taddesse, T. |author4=Hagdu, K.M.|doi=10.4314/star.v4i2.10|volume=4|issue=2|pages=68–78|doi-access=free}}</ref> Extant populations are poorly documented,<ref name=bottleforms /> but have been identified in the wild in at least five localities across the Kenyan Rift Valley<ref name=PROTA2 />—one on Ol Kokwe Island in Lake Baringo and four around the shores of Lake Turkana.<ref name=bottleforms /> Records of wild specimens from other east African countries, including Djibouti, Sudan, and Uganda, have been deemed unreliable. ''M. stenopetala'' trees are widely cultivated in southern Ethiopia, where they were likely sourced from a now-extinct population near Lake Chew Bahir.<ref name=PROTA2/> Since modern times, the species has steadily been introduced across tropical Africa: it is found as far west as Senegal and as far south as Malawi.<ref name=PROTA2 />

[[File:Ethiopia - Mature Moringa stenopetala tree - March 2011.jpg|thumb|right|Habit in the Gurage Zone, Ethiopia]] In the wild, ''M. stenopetala'' occurs in various habitats with different bioclimatic conditions and elevations of {{convert|400|–|1,200|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name=WAF /><ref name=floraEA /> Its distribution range is arid to semi-arid, with an average annual rainfall of {{convert|500|–|1,400|mm|in|abbr=on}} and mean temperatures of {{convert|24|–|30|C|F}}.<ref name=WAF /> Often growing near bodies of water,<ref name=PROTA2/> wild trees have been observed in drylands, shrublands, and woodlands,<ref name=floraEA /> where they may form associations with ''Acacia tortilis'', ''Delonix elata'' and ''Commiphora'' spp.,<ref name=WAF /> as well as in wetlands, often associated with riverside species from ''Hyphaene'', ''Salvadora'' and ''Cadaba''.<ref name=floraEA /> These regions are characterized by rocky or sandy soils,<ref name=PROTA2/><ref name=moringaceae /> with good drainage and neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline soil reaction.<ref name=WAF /> The species is, however, known for its ability to subsist on a wide variety of (possibly very harsh) soil conditions;<ref name=WAF /><ref name=Star /> mature trees can even improve the fertility of the surrounding topsoil with their tendency to shed considerable amounts of organic matter.<ref name=Star />

Like its African relatives, ''M. stenopetala'' is well adapted to the severe heat and drought that characterize its native landscapes,<ref name=moringaceae /> where, given proper shading, it may survive temperatures up to {{convert|48|°C|°F|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Star /> Developing early, the tuberous roots and bloated trunk form a prominent storage organ,<ref name=moringaceae /> which allows the plant to preserve water and thrive in drier climates.<ref name=Habtemariam /> Although drought-deciduous, shedding its leaves towards the end of very prolonged dry seasons, it habitually grows as an evergreen under more moderate conditions.<ref name=Habtemariam /><ref name=lostcrops /> Light frost is tolerated, although persistent cold temperatures at higher growing elevations may eventually cause the tree to wither down to the base of its trunk, as well as inducing dormancy in seeds.<ref name=WAF /><ref name=Star/>

''M. stenopetala'' trees live between 60 and 100 years, often with sustained productivity until the end of their lifespan.<ref name=seifu>{{cite journal |author=Seifu, E. |year=2014|title=Actual and potential applications of ''Moringa stenopetala'', underutilized indigenous vegetable of Southern Ethiopia: A review|journal=International Journal of Agricultural and Food Research|volume=3|issue=4|pages=8–19|issn=1929-0969}}</ref> It is a quickly developing species; young plants can grow as high as {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on}} in their first year and typically reach reproductive maturity after 2.5 years.<ref name=PROTA2 /> From there on, the plants often continue to flower and fruit year-round.<ref name=Star /> The flowers emit a sweet fragrance that encourages pollination by birds and insects alike.<ref name=moringaceae>{{cite book|author=Kubitzki, K.|year=2003|chapter=Moringaceae|editor1=K. Kubitzki |editor2=C. Bayer|title=Flowering Plants · Dicotyledons|series=The Families and Genera of Vascular Plants|volume=5|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-3-662-07255-4}}</ref> Mature seeds may be dispersed by either wind or water.<ref name=moringaceae /> The foliage provides nutritious forage for both wild and domesticated ruminants, whereas the flowers serve as an important source of nectar for honeybees.{{Citation needed|date=December 2019|reason=removed citation to predatory publisher content}}

==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.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Jahn, S.A.A.|year=1991 |title=The traditional domestication of a multipurpose tree ''Moringa stenopetala'' (Bak. f.) Cuf. in the Ethiopian Rift Valley |journal=Ambio |volume=20 |issue=6 |pages=244–247 |jstor=4313833 }}</ref>

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.<ref name=PROTA2 /> Propagation is easiest from seeds,<ref name=Habtemariam /> although plants grown from cuttings may flower and fruit sooner (within several months).<ref name=lostcrops>{{cite book|title=Vegetables|series=Lost Crops of Africa|volume=2|chapter=14: Moringa|year=2006|publisher=The National Academies Press|isbn=978-0-309-16454-2|pages=246–267}}</ref> 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 {{convert|15|to|33|°C|°F|abbr=on}}, corresponding with elevations of {{convert|1,150|–|1,800|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Collection of the leaves and fruits may start after two years, although traditional farmers usually wait 5 to 6 years before harvesting.<ref name=Habtemariam />

==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;<ref name=PROTA2 /> it is especially favored by various ethnic groups of Ethiopia's SNNP Region.<ref name=PROTA2 /><ref name=Kumssa /><ref name=dishes />

=== Leaves === [[File:Moringa stenopetala.jpg|thumb|Leaves on a young plant, showing a pinnate composition]] Like ''M. oleifera'', the leaves of ''M. stenopetala'' make for a nutrient-dense edible green. A nutrition analysis of an Ethiopian sample yielded 28.44 g of protein, 0.7 g of fat, 38.49 g of carbohydrates and 11.62 g of crude fiber per 100 g dry weight, with a mean energy value of 274 kcal (1,146 kJ).{{citation needed|date=January 2020}} Raw leaves are rich in vitamin C (28 mg/100 g), a good source of vitamin A, and comparable to cruciferous vegetables for their significant mineral content (such as calcium, iron and phosphorus).<ref name=WAF /><ref name=PROTA2 /> Within the ''Moringa'', ''M. stenopetala'' leaves are highest in sulfur and remarkably rich in protein.<ref name=olson2016>{{cite journal|title=Leaf protein and mineral concentrations across the "miracle tree" genus ''Moringa''|author1=Olson, M.E. |author2=Sankaran, R.P. |author3=Fahey, J.W. |author4=Grusak, M.A. |author5=Odee, D. |author6=Nouman, W.|year=2016|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0159782|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=11|issue=7|article-number=e0159782|pmid=27459315 |pmc=4961408|bibcode=2016PLoSO..1159782O |doi-access=free }}</ref> Variables that may affect the nutrient – particularly mineral – compositions of ''M. stenopetala'' include the season,<ref name=elevation>{{cite journal|title=Effects of elevation and season on nutrient composition of leaves and green pods of ''Moringa stenopetala'' and ''Moringa oleifera''|author1=Melesse, A. |author2=Steingass, H. |author3=Boguhn, J. |author4=Schollenberger, M. |author5=Rodehutscord, M.|journal=Agroforestry Systems|year=2012|volume=86|issue=3|pages=505–518|doi=10.1007/s10457-012-9514-8|bibcode=2012AgrSy..86..505M |s2cid=17345176 }}</ref> growing elevations,<ref name=elevation /> and soil type.<ref name=Kumssa /> During the dry season, the average southern Ethiopian adult eats 150 g of fresh leaves per day, providing 19% of their energy and 30% of their protein requirements.<ref name=PROTA2 />

The taste of the leaves ranges from bitter to sweet, may vary per tree, and is described as more pleasant during the dry season. The leaflets are stripped from the rachis and eaten either raw or cooked like cabbage,<ref name=PROTA2 /> inspiring the common name "cabbage tree".<ref name=cabbage>{{cite book|chapter=A multipurpose cabbage tree (''Moringa stenopetala''): Production, utilization and marketing in SNNPR, Ethiopia|work=Acta Horticulturae|title=International Symposium on the Socio-Economic Impact of Modern Vegetable Production Technology in Tropical Asia|number=809|isbn=978-90-6605-721-0|year=2009|volume=1|pages=115–120|author=Tenaye, A. |author2=Geta, E. |author3=Hebana, E. |editor=H. Jaenicke |editor2=J. Ganry |editor3=I. Hoeschle-Zeledon |editor4=R. Kahane}}</ref> They may be served with bread as a nutritious addition to many meals.<ref name=Kumssa>{{cite journal|title=Challenges and opportunities for ''Moringa'' growers in southern Ethiopia and Kenya|author1=Kumssa, D.B. |author2=Joy, E.J.M. |author3=Young, S.D. |author4=Odee, D.W. |author5=Ander, E.L. |author6=Magare, C. |author7=Gitu, J. |author8=Broadley, M.R. |year=2017|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0187651|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=12|issue=11|article-number=e0187651|pmid=29121079 |pmc=5679577 |bibcode=2017PLoSO..1287651K |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name=dishes>{{cite thesis|url=https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/c7d7/e4a605e3093a61c3ad9e538cbafd2c465b6d.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729214327/https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/c7d7/e4a605e3093a61c3ad9e538cbafd2c465b6d.pdf|archive-date=2019-07-29|title=Usage and acceptance of ''Moringa stenopetala'' in the diet in Ethiopia|year=2012|author=Glærum, N.|type=MSc|publisher=University of Agder|s2cid=55374643}}</ref> In the Konso region of Ethiopia, balls of mixed flours – and sometimes cereals – are typically boiled in salt water and served alongside the leaves.<ref name=PROTA2 /> The Siltʼe people use cornmeal as the principal flour, and include onions and chilies to create a dish called ''kurkufa''. In a variation of this preparation, known as ''fosesae'', the cornmeal is first mixed with water to create a doughy consistency, and then cooked with the leaves and spices.<ref name=dishes /> Dried, crushed leaves may be added to ''chegga'', a traditional sorghum brew of the Dirashe people.<ref name=Kumssa />

=== Other parts === Because the fruits are slightly bitter, even when young, they are normally prepared only in times when other crops are scarce.<ref name=PROTA2 /> The flowers may also be boiled or eaten fresh.<ref name=Kumssa /> The seeds yield an aromatic, edible oil that may be used for cooking or as a dressing for salads.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Moringa stenopetala African horseradish tree, cabbagetree PFAF Plant Database|url=https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Moringa+stenopetala|website=pfaf.org|access-date=2020-05-29}}</ref>

==Other uses== [[File:Moringa stenopetala nursery in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia.jpg|thumb|left|''M. stenopetala'' nursery in the Gurage Zone of Ethiopia]] It is used for shading of ''Capsicum'' and ''Sorghum'' crops, and as a companion plant.<ref name=grin1/> A 2015 survey across Derashe and Konso villages found that most households grow ''M. stenopetala'' trees, having done so their entire life; all had consumed the tree as food, many relied on it for income, and some used it for medicinal purposes.<ref name=Kumssa />

Another use is the clarification and purification of water to make it potable. A powder made by grinding the seeds is found to be more effective at coagulating substances in suspension than the seeds of ''M. oleifera'', which is used for this purpose in India.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.3362/0262-8104.1985.019 |title=Water purification with ''Moringa'' seeds |year=1985 |last1=Desa |first1=D. |journal=Waterlines |volume=3 |issue=4 |pages=22–3}}</ref> When powdered, the tree bark has adsorbent properties which may be effective in industrial wastewater treatments.<ref name=barkpowder>{{cite journal|title=''Moringa stenopetala'' bark: A novel green adsorbent for the removal of metal ions from industrial effluents|author1=Kebede, T.G. |author2=Dube, S. |author3=Mengistie, A.A. |author4=Nkambule, T.T.I. |author5=Nindia, M.M.|year=2018|journal=Physics and Chemistry of the Earth|volume=107|pages=45–57|doi=10.1016/j.pce.2018.08.002|bibcode=2018PCE...107...45K |s2cid=133832388 }}</ref>

===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.<ref name=PROTA2 /> The macerated roots and/or leaves are boiled in water and taken as a herbal remedy throughout southern Ethiopia for various conditions, such as malaria, diarrhea, and dysentery.<ref name=PROTA2 /><ref name=ethiopia>{{cite book|author=Mekonnen, Y.|chapter=The multi-purpose Moringa tree: Ethiopia|pages=111–117|title=Examples of the Development of Pharmaceutical Products from Medicinal Plants|publisher=United Nations Development Programme|year=2005|volume=10|series=[http://www.esupp.unsouthsouth.org/gssd-academy-solutions/ Sharing Innovative Experiences]|issn=1728-4171}}</ref> 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.<ref name=PGR-Ethiopia /> Sap extracts from the branches and leaves may be applied externally by the Dirashe people to promote hygiene.<ref name=Kumssa />

== Research == Like its sister species ''M. oleifera'', ''Moringa stenopetala'' is under basic research to determine whether it has bioactive properties;<ref name=PROTA2 /> its potential effects in humans remain unconfirmed.

==Gallery== <gallery mode="packed" heights="160">

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 </gallery>

== See also == Other African moringa species: * ''Moringa drouhardii'' * ''Moringa hildebrandtii'' * ''Moringa ovalifolia''

==References== {{Reflist}}

streptocarpa Category:Flora of Kenya Category:Trees of Ethiopia Category:Trees of Africa Category:Fruits originating in Africa Category:Tropical fruit Category:Tropical agriculture Category:Plants described in 1896 Category:Afromontane flora