Drumstick Tree
Moringa oleifera
Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the drumstick tree, is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree native to …
Somali moringa (Moringa ruspoliana)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Moringa ruspoliana: The Simple-Leaved Moringa Species
Native to the arid regions of the Horn of Africa, Moringa ruspoliana stands out within its genus due to its remarkable morphological features. This wild woody species thrives in dry bushlands and rocky slopes of Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
Botanists highly value this taxon for its unique simple leaves, which deviate from the typical pinnate leaf structure of other family members. The plant also produces some of the most striking floral displays among all Moringaceae species.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ Angiosperms
- ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
- ∟ eudicots
- ∟ Superrosids
- ∟ rosids
- ∟ malvids
- ∟ order Brassicales
- ∟ genus Moringa (Moringa tree of life)
- ∟ species Moringa ruspoliana (Somali moringa)
Morphology
This species grows as a large shrub or small tree, reaching heights of up to 6 meters. Unlike most of its relatives, it features large simple leaves that can measure up to 15 centimeters in diameter.
The flowers of this taxon are the largest in the family, reaching approximately 3 centimeters in length. They are typically arranged in showy panicles and exhibit hues of pink, red, or purple.
Interesting facts
Although the Moringaceae family is renowned for compound foliage, this particular taxon is the only member that bears simple leaves. This represents a distinct evolutionary path within the genus.
Geography of distribution
- Ethiopia
- Somalia
- Kenya
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
See also
Hildebrandt's moringa
Moringa hildebrandtii
An extraordinary water-storing tree endemic to Madagascar, extinct in the wild but preserved through traditional …
Ben tree
Moringa peregrina
Moringa peregrina is a resilient desert tree native to the Red Sea region and Arabian …
tree moringa
Moringa arborea
A rare, drought-resistant tree native to the arid regions of Kenya and Ethiopia, known for …