African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw) Moringa stenopetala
African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw) (Moringa stenopetala) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Moringaceae family, native to Southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya (dry lowlands around the Rift Valley lakes). It grows 6–12 m (20–39 ft) tall and 4–8 m (13–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Moringaceae |
| Mature height | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–209 weeks after planting, for 6–11 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (cooked, the main use), young pods, seeds |
| Native to | Southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya (dry lowlands around the Rift Valley lakes) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇰🇪 Kenya |
Is African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Leaves are a staple vegetable; the roots of moringas contain irritant compounds and are not eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw)
- How far apart should I plant African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–8 m (13–26 ft).
- Does African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw)?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw) flower?
- About 104–209 weeks after planting, for 6–11 weeks.
- Is African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Leaves are a staple vegetable; the roots of moringas contain irritant compounds and are not eaten.
- What grows well with African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for African moringa (cabbage tree, shiferaw). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide, World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), Nairobi
Notes and assumptions
- A savanna plant of hot summers and a long dry season; it wants sharp drainage and resents cold, wet winters.
- A swollen-trunked relative of the Indian drumstick tree with bigger leaflets. In the Konso terraced villages (a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape) it is planted among sorghum fields and its leaves are eaten almost daily.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Moringa Moringa oleifera
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana