Family: Moringaceae
Moringa longituba (mawe) is a tuberous shrub found in northeastern Kenya, southeastern Ethiopia and several parts of Somalia. Moringa longituba is generally regarded as inedible, and possibly even poisonous, and is used only as medicine by local people in its native habitat. Like other Moringa species in the Horn of Africa, M. longituba is used medicinally, particularly for treating intestinal disorders of camels and goats, for which the root is given internally. There are no known reports of invasiveness or naturalization for this plant, but there is also no evidence of widespread introduction outside of its native range.
High Risk Traits:
- Grows, and could spread, in regions with tropical climates
- Other Moringa species have weedy traits and tendencies
- Possible toxic properties
- May be able to persist from tuberous root
- Reproduces by seeds
- Seeds dispersed by wind, gravity and intentionally by people
- Limited ecological information may limit accuracy of risk prediction
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Grows in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit ability to spread)
