Moringa peregrina
Plant Family
Moringaceae
Binomial Name
Moringa peregrina Forssk. ex Fiori
Alternate Binomial Names
Moringa aptera Gaertn. (1791)
Common (Vernacular) Names
Ben tree, wispy-needled yasar tree, wild drum-stick tree (En). Ben blanc, moringa aptère, arbre à noix de ben (Fr); gas-e-rowghan or gaz rokh (Iran), yusor tree, al-yasser, al-ban. We refer to this tree as Arabian moringa.
Plant Characteristics
Endemicity. This species is endemic to the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea region, Arabia where it grows in rocky slopes of wadis and gullies; Acacia-Commiphora woodland, sometimes on nearly bare rock, at elevations up to 850 meters[1],[2] It reportedly occurs in Pakistan and desert areas of the Sistan and Baluchestan provinces of Iran but these reports need confirmation.
Moringa peregrina Growing in the Wild, Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Photo by Abdullah Alsharief
Flowers are zygomorphic, pink, and sweetly scented and are important as bee plants in southern Sudan and Yemen.
Flowers of Moringa peregrina
Photo by: Pikiwikisrael
Public domain
Seedlings emerge from the soil opening with red leaflets that turn to blue green after about one month.
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Emerging Seedling of Moringa peregrina |
 Young Seedling of Moringa peregrina |
 Seedling of Moringa peregrina |
Tubers begin forming early and become about the size of a sweet potato in the first year of growth. When growing among rocks or shallow soils the tubers and root system may be greatly reduced. In the dry season, the aerial parts die back to the top of the tuber below ground-level. As the plant matures the stem becomes permanent and the leaves get progressively longer, while the leaflets get smaller, more needle-like and widely spaced. Mature trees produce leaves with a full complement of tiny leaflets that later drop off leaving mostly naked leaf axes. This gives the tree with a wispy appearance similar to Tamarix spp.
 Moringa peregrina with Roots Exposed |
 Tuber of Moringa peregrina Grown in cultivation at Discovery Harbour, Hawaii |
Growth Habit. This species is in the moringa form category of slender trees[3]. It typically grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree up to 10 M tall. In the wild the trees may exist only as bushy shrubs. In cultivation, the trees may grow into a very tall single trunked tree with few branches. Pruning or pollarding is recommended to promote branching, pod production and to keep the tree at an acceptable height for harvesting the pods.
 Moringa peregrina |
 Moringa peregrina Growth Form Unpruned |
Cultivation in the Middle East and Africa Moringa peregrina is primarily harvested from the wild. It has apparently not been grown in artificial cultivation as a crop plant. Planting trials have been carried out in Sudan. Both seeds and cuttings were successfully used for propagation in a nursery. Exposure to full sunlight and high temperatures reduced seedling growth. Transplanted five-month-old seedlings had good survival rates. Branches of 1–1.5 m in length were used as cuttings and these performed well. Moringa peregrina grew fast from both seeds and cuttings; 3–4 m annual growth in height was not unusual when adequate moisture was available. The first pods were produced about three years after planting.[4]
Cultivation in Hawaii. We are not aware of or previous introductions of this tree in cultivation in Hawaii. Seeds for our trials were collected from trees in Al Madinah area of Saudi Arabia in 2014 and 2015. Repeated testing of the seeds from both years has consistently yielded germination rates over 99%. Seeds were germinated in our greenhouse and outdoors, in certified artificial media and native cinder soil mixes with no significant differences in germination and growth rates. The seedlings have formed tubers and are ready for transplanting in about six months after germination.
 Seeds of Moringa peregrina |
Performance of Arabian Seeds on Hawai`i Island
Our attempts to grow this species in unirrigated ground at our facility in Discovery Harbour have repeatedly failed. Soon after planting healthy appearing seedlings lose their leaves and shoots and become dormant. They usually do not emerge from dormancy and eventually die. Seedlings from the same seed source planted in the ground with drip irrigation, or planted in plastic pots containing native soil excavated from the same area generally do well. Dormant plants provided with irrigation or transplanted back into pots may resume normal growth.
Since this species is endemic to very dry desert areas this apparent dependence on irrigation was initially puzzling. We now believe that the problem is caused by the plant’s inability to adapt to highly variable, rapidly changing soil moisture levels. In areas where the plant is endemic it is highly tolerant of drought conditions and typically loses most or all its leaves and shoots during the dry season. This is probably an adaptation to prevent water loss during these seasons that occur on a consistent annual cycle. In our area of Hawai`i island there is a dry season but significant rainfall is normally received throughout the year. However, due to the highly pervious nature of our volcanic cinder-based soils, and high evaporation rates, soil moisture levels drop very rapidly after rains and can become xeric after a few days, apparently triggering or continuing dormancy. The plants do not have time to regrow before the next episode of dry soil conditions occurs. Plants in irrigated soil or pots experience steadier soil moisture levels so loss of leaves and other adaptations to drought are not triggered. We have observed similar patterns of dormancy and response to irregular soil moisture conditions with other African moringa species in cultivation here including M. ovalifolia, M. drouhardii, M. hildebrantii and to a lesser extent with M. stenopetala. Indian moringa (M. oleifera) usually does not become dormant under the same conditions.
Performance on Moloka`i Island
Trees grown from the Arabian seeds have grown very well on a research partner’s farm near Kaunakakai on Molokai island. Here the soils may be less pervious than our Hawai`i island site and better growing conditions prevail. This farm is now our primary source of seeds of this species.
Seedlings grown from the Moloka`i seeds emerge with the unique, narrow red primary leaves typical of Moringa peregrina. However, with continued growth, plants from some seed lots have not developed the needle like leaf structure typical of the species. The leaves are wider and more like those of Moringa oleifera.
The unusual appearance of the leaves may result from growing conditions in Hawai’i. It is also possible that the Moloka`i seeds are the products of cross pollination with other moringa species (M. oleifera and M. stenopetala) that are also grown on the Moloka`i farm. These hybrids may have have a combination of desirable characteristics – a more palatable leaf for food or livestock feed, and the extreme drought tolerance of the Arabian moringa. They also grow very well at our Discovery Harbour site where the pure species languishes or dies.
Until we have more definitive information these seeds should be considered putative interspecific hybrids. These Moloka`i seeds typically have a high germination rate and are offered for sale through our online store.
Propagation
This species is easily grown from seeds which take 1-2 weeks to germinate under favorable conditions.
The trees can also be propagated from tubers. Plant them vertically with the pointed ends or eyes pointing upward, just under the soil surface. The time required for sprouting and emergence can be highly variable.
 Moringa peregrina Tuber Sprouting from an Eye (Stem Bud) |
Pests and Diseases
No insect pests or evidence of diseases have been reported by our customers and volunteer growers with small test plantings of this species on Molaka’i and Oahu. It is apparently resistant to burrowing and reniform nematodes as it grows in soils at our site in which we cannot grow common vegetable crops due to severe nematode infestations.
White Peach Scale. In 2018 we observed small white scale insects on one Arabian moringa seedling grown in a pot at our site in Discovery Harbour. Several months later the infestation spread to many additional plants. In April 2019 specimens were sent to the Insect Identification Clinic of the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service. The insects were identified as White Peach Scale, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona. This armored scale insect has a host range of over 200 species of plants and is found in over 100 countries worldwide. In Hawaii it is a common pest on papaya and heavy infestations are found on papaya trees growing here near the affected Arabian moringa seedlings. We have also confirmed it as a pest of Moringa drouhardii, Kalanchoe gracipes, cycads and Ko’oko’olau (Bidens mensiesii), a native plant species grown on our property.
If untreated this scale will kill Arabian moringa seedlings, and the affected branches of larger trees. We have been able to remove observable infestations by high pressure water spraying. Frequent neem oil and insect soap applications also reduce but do not eradicate infestations. Two parasitic wasps, Encarsia berlesei and E. diaspidicola, have been imported into Hawai`i by the USDA to study their use for biological control of white peach scale. We will publish additional information on this in a future update of this page.
 White Peach Scale (Pseudaulacaspis pentagona) on Moringa peregrina |
 Photomicrograph of Pseudaulacaspis pentagona on Moringa peregrina |
Root Bound Plants. This species does not do well in pots with limited space for rooting. Seedlings rapidly send down a tuberous tap root and when it reaches the bottom of the pot the roots usually become distorted often forming dense knot like forms. This may occur even when the foliage indicates that the plant appears to be in an oversized pot. As this root bound condition progresses, growth becomes stunted, the seedling may loose its leaves and the tubers may rot and die.
 Bizarre Knotted Tuber of Moringa peregrina |
Uses
The medicinal, nutritional and water purification uses of the leaves and pods of this tree are well known, and the edible oil extracted from its seeds (ben oil) has been used since ancient Rome and Egypt. In ancient Egypt moringa was referred to as bak. Its seeds were esteemed in perfumery, and the oil, was used as a base for scents. At the court of Ramses II, “the people dress in festive garments every day, their braided hair drenched in sweet moringa oil.” The oil, applied to the skin, was also thought to repel mosquitoes, and mixed with other ingredients for treatment of many disorders. Vases of the oil were placed in tombs. Moringa was the sacred tree of the gods Heryshaf and Ptah.[5]
Early uses of the tree may also be mentioned in two books of the bible. The book of Exodus (15:25), describes the Israelites traveling after the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea for three days into the wilderness of Shur — in the north-west of the Sinai Peninsula without finding water. When they finally came to a place with water, which they named Marah they found they could not drink from the water because it was too bitter. They complained to Moses, who asked God what they could drink. Then God showed Moses a tree, “which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet”. Moringa peregrina may also be the Tree of Life referred to in the bible in Revelations 22:1-2-3.
Note: many references state that Moringa oleifera is the species referred to in these ancient texts. This is probably incorrect; Moringa peregrina is endemic to the Middle East including the Red Sea region; Moringa oleifera is endemic to India and there are no indications that it had been imported into the Red Sea region until recent times. The two species were once classified as a single species, which may account for some of this confusion.
Seed Oil. Ben oil is the primary product from the tree. It has apparently been in declining production and is now primarily produced for home use or local markets. Moringa oleifera seeds are now the primary source of ben oil.
Fuels. Wood from the tree was collected in the southern Saini for firewood but is now becoming scarce. The seed cake residue from oil production can be used as a fuel. Recent research indicates that the oil is a promising feedstock for production of biodiesel[6].
Food. In the southern Arabian Peninsula, the tubers of young saplings are roasted and eaten[7]. It is also used as fodder for camels.
We recently taste tested grated raw tubers of this species for consumption as a condiment or garnish. It has a pleasant, mild horseradish-like flavor. We intend to work with local chefs to do more testing and explore other culinary uses for it when it can be grown in larger quantities. Below is a sample from our first batch of this product.
 New Condiment Made from Grated Arabian Moringa Tubers |
Medicinal Properties. The seeds are used for medicinal purposes in the Middle East and Sudan. The oil is used to treat abdominal pain. Antioxidant activity of its leaf extracts has been confirmed[8]. These antioxidant compounds may be useful in preventing degenerative diseases.
Water Purification. The seeds of this tree have been used to purify water since ancient Egypt. A proteinaceous component of the seeds coagulates solids and seed extracts have antimicrobial properties.
Ornamental for Landscaping. The tree is grown as an ornamental in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. We believe it may have applications for xeriscaping in other areas with similar growing conditions.
Invasiveness Potential
We requested the Hawai‘i-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA) program to assess the invasiveness potential of Moringa peregrina since there were no records of prior introductions in Hawaii. HPWRA assigned it an assessment score of 0, indicating low risk. It has been designated as a Pono Plant, a good choice for planting in Hawai`i.
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Conservation Status
This species is not considered threatened. Wild populations in some areas are reportedly in decline because of collection for firewood and grazing by livestock. It is not listed on the IUCN Red List.
CITES Listing
Moringa peregrina is not listed by CITES.
Improved Cultivars
We do not offer improved cultivars of this species and are unaware of any efforts by others to develop these.
Plants and Seeds for Sale
Seeds of this species are in short supply and rarely available. The seeds of the pure species that we previously obtained from Saudi Arabia are no longer available and no other sources of these seeds are known to us. We are attempting to produce additional seeds from trees started on our experimental farm at Oceanview, Hawai`i. These may not be available for 2 – 3 years. Multiple non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are seeking large amounts of seeds for agricultural projects in arid areas of north Africa. Please contact us if you can supply them.
Putative Hybrid Seeds are being produced from trees supplied to our research partner farm on Molokai island, Hawai`i. The initial seed lots from there produced seedlings and small trees similar in form and appearance to the pure species. Most of the more recent lots produced seedlings and trees that have wider leaves and a different shape than the pure species. These are probably hybrids from cross pollination with other moringa species (Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenopetala) that may have been in bloom at the Molokai farm at the same time as the Arabian moringa trees. These putative hybrids produced pods with viable seeds at our Discovery Harbour facility on Hawai`i island. Second generation (F2) trees produced from these seeds retain the appearance of hybrids and also produce viable seeds. Limited quantities of seeds from Molokai and our Discovery Harbour facility are available for sale in our online store. All of these should be considered putative interspecific hybrids.
Seedlings grown from the putative hybrid seeds may be available in limited quantities as certified and non-certified plants and are subject to stock on hand. They may also be grown to order. This requires several months of growing time. Please contact us for more information.
Saplings (larger trees in pots) are not available.
Tubers are no longer offered for sale.
Shipping Information
Seeds can be shipped to all locations but must be inspected and cleared by the Plant Quarantine Branch of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) before shipment.
Seedlings and Tubers can be shipped bare root to all locations except California, which requires shipment in pots. This is impractical and costly. Bare root specimens are resistant to adverse shipping conditions but may lose their leaves. Non-certified seedlings must be shipped bare root, require inspection and clearance by HDOA before shipment and cannot be shipped to the states of Arizona, California, Louisiana or Texas. Certified seedlings are shipped directly from our facility to all states without additional inspections, and may be shipped with some growing media on the roots and tubers.
Acknowledgement
Abdullah Alsharief of Saudi Arabia provided some of the information and photographs on this page and collected the seeds used in the above research.
References
[1] Prota. Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. www.prota.org . Cited in Fern K. (2014).
[2] Fern K. 2014. Useful tropical plants database Moringa peregrina. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Moringa+peregrina [accessed 2017 Apr 30].
[3] Olsen ME. 2014. The home page of the plant family Moringaceae.
http://www.explorelifeonearth.org/moringahome.html#maps . [accessed 2017 Apr 30].
[4] Munyanziza, E. & Yongabi, K.A., 2007. Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori In: van der Vossen, H.A.M. & Mkamilo, G.S. (Editors). PROTA 14: Vegetable oils/Oléagineux. [CD-Rom]. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands. http://database.prota.org/PROTAhtml/Moringa%20peregrina_En.htm [accessed 2017 Apr 30].
[5] Anonymous. c2017. Cow of gold. An encyclopedia of Egyptian mythology. The trees of ancient Egypt. https://cowofgold.wikispaces.com/Moringa. [accessed 2017 Apr 30].
[6] Salaheldeen M, Aroua MK, Mariod AA, Cheng SF, Abdelrahman MA. 2014. An evaluation of Moringa peregrina seeds as a source for bio-fuel. Ind. Crops and Prod. 61:49-61.
[7] Olsen ME. 2014. Moringa peregrina Forssk. ex Fiori. http://www.explorelifeonearth.org/peregrina.html [accessed 2017 Apr 30].
[8] Dehshahri, S., Wink, M., Afsharypuor, S., Asghari, G., & Mohagheghzadeh, A. (2012). Antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extract of Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori. Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7(2), 111–118.
This page was last updated on August 28, 2025.