Family: Moringaceae
Moringa stenopetala is a tree species native to East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia and Kenya. It can grow up to twelve meters in height and has a spreading, umbrella-like canopy. Its leaves are large, bipinnate, and have a feathery appearance. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, and the tree produces elongated seed pods. The leaves, seeds, and pods of Moringa stenopetala are edible. The leaves are rich in nutrients and are commonly used as a vegetable in soups, stews, and other dishes. They are particularly valued for their high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This tree is not as globally recognized as Moringa oleifera, but it plays a vital role in the diets and traditional medicine practices of the communities where it is native.
It can spread by wind-dispersed seeds and has been documented as naturalized in Koko Crater on the island of Oahu but is not predicted to have significant negative impacts in the Hawaiian Islands.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives and can spread in regions with tropical climates
- Naturalized in Koko Crater, Oahu (Hawaiian Islands)
- Other Moringa species have weedy traits and tendencies
- Tolerates many soil types (not limited by substrate)
- Reproduces by seed
- Reaches maturity in 2.5 years
- Seeds dispersed by wind and through intentional cultivation
- Seeds may form a persistent seed bank (>1 years)
- Tolerates repeated pruning and cutting
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasive or negative impacts where cultivated
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Palatable to animals
- Not reported to be toxic
- Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
- Relatively large, wind-dispersed seeds unlikely to be accidentally spread
