Moringa oleifera........Moringa Tree

The Moringa, also known as the Horseradish or the Drumstick tree is  native to the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in northern India. 
Moringa can grow in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world and is beginning to be cultivated throughout Africa and South America. 

 

 
This fast growing tree is also known as the “Miracle Tree” and is one of the most concentrated superfoods on the planet. 

The leaves, seed pods, oil, and flowers are edible while the bark, root, and oil have medicinal uses too. All around, this flowering tree is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein.

Multivitamins and Food – The simple little leaves of this tree have seven times the vitamin C of oranges, four times the calcium of milk, four times the vitamin A of carrots, two times the protein of yogurt, and three times the potassium of bananas. They are also rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Moringa contains 90 nutrients that benefit the body.

Energy and Metabolism – The rich amount of vitamins and minerals nourish cells and result in a boost to energy production. The B vitamins are especially good at aiding energy levels.

Emotional Balance – B vitamins and essential amino acids like tryptophan help maintain emotional well-being, combat depression, and limit anxiety.

Mental Acuity – Moringa’s rich minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients keep the brain active and well-nourished so it stays sharp.

 

Workout Recovery – As a very good protein source, moringa helps the body repair and rebuild muscle tissue after exercise. The antioxidants also protect muscle tissue from damage.

 

Blood Sugar – Moringa helps stabilize blood sugar and is being studied for its ability to help those with diabetes.

 

Blood Pressure – Phytonutrients in moringa aid in the removal of toxins and excess water, protect the kidneys, and help naturally lower blood pressure.

Cholesterol – Fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients in moringa help lower cholesterol levels and protect the heart.

Digestive Health – Moringa has been used for thousands of years to treat digestive disorders. It can be made into a juice to help with diarrhea, the fiber helps clean out the intestines, and tea helps soothe upset stomachs.

Anti-inflammatory – Moringa eases inflammation and pain. The leaves are used topically to treat arthritis and injuries. Internally they help alleviate chronic inflammation that can harm organs and tissues.

Antioxidant – Moringa has 46 different types of antioxidants, each one helping take away oxidative stress and free radicals that can destroy and damage cells.

Antimicrobial – Moringa has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that protect the body from invaders and give a boost to the immune system.

Cooking – Moringa makes an amazing and healthy cooking oil that rivals extra virgin olive oil. Moringa leaves and seed pods are great additions to many meals.

Multivitamin and Food – The simple little leaves of this tree have seven times the vitamin C of oranges, four times the calcium of milk, four times the vitamin A of carrots, two times the protein of yogurt, and three times the potassium of bananas. They are also rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Moringa contains 90 nutrients that benefit the body.

Energy and Metabolism – The rich amount of vitamins and minerals nourish cells and result in a boost to energy production. The B vitamins are especially good at aiding energy levels.

Emotional Balance – B vitamins and essential amino acids like tryptophan help maintain emotional well-being, combat depression, and limit anxiety.

- See more at: http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/13-health-benefits-of-moringa/#sthash.D72ABsA2.dpuf

TheMultivitamin and Food – The simple little leaves of this tree have seven times the vitamin C of oranges, four times the calcium of milk, four times the vitamin A of carrots, two times the protein of yogurt, and three times the potassium of bananas. They are also rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Moringa contains 90 nutrients that benefit the body.

Energy and Metabolism – The rich amount of vitamins and minerals nourish cells and result in a boost to energy production. The B vitamins are especially good at aiding energy levels.

Emotional Balance – B vitamins and essential amino acids like tryptophan help maintain emotional well-being, combat depression, and limit anxiety.

- See more at: http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/13-health-benefits-of-moringa/#sthash.D72ABsA2.dpuf

Multivitamin and Food – The simple little leaves of this tree have seven times the vitamin C of oranges, four times the calcium of milk, four times the vitamin A of carrots, two times the protein of yogurt, and three times the potassium of bananas. They are also rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Moringa contains 90 nutrients that benefit the body.

Energy and Metabolism – The rich amount of vitamins and minerals nourish cells and result in a boost to energy production. The B vitamins are especially good at aiding energy levels.

Emotional Balance – B vitamins and essential amino acids like tryptophan help maintain emotional well-being, combat depression, and limit anxiety.

- See more at: http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/13-health-benefits-of-moringa/#sthash.D72ABsA2.dpuf

Moringa is a tree native to the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in northern India. Moringa can grow in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world and is beginning to be cultivated throughout Africa and South America.  This fast growing tree is also known as the “Miracle Tree” and is one of the most concentrated superfoods on the planet. The leaves, seed pods, oil, and flowers are edible while the bark, root, and oil have medicinal uses too. All around, this flowering tree is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein. - See more at: http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/13-health-benefits-of-moringa/#sthash.D72ABsA2.dpuf

Moringa is a tree native to the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in northern India. Moringa can grow in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world and is beginning to be cultivated throughout Africa and South America.  This fast growing tree is also known as the “Miracle Tree” and is one of the most concentrated superfoods on the planet. The leaves, seed pods, oil, and flowers are edible while the bark, root, and oil have medicinal uses too. All around, this flowering tree is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein. - See more at: http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/13-health-benefits-of-moringa/#sthash.D72ABsA2.dpuf

Moringa is a tree native to the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in northern India. Moringa can grow in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world and is beginning to be cultivated throughout Africa and South America.  This fast growing tree is also known as the “Miracle Tree” and is one of the most concentrated superfoods on the planet. The leaves, seed pods, oil, and flowers are edible while the bark, root, and oil have medicinal uses too. All around, this flowering tree is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein. - See more at: http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/13-health-benefits-of-moringa/#sthash.D72ABsA2.dpuf

Bartlettina sordida..........Blue Mist Flower

One of the most amazing flowering shrubs in the world, the Purple Torch of the Clouds, also known as Bartlettina sordida, is native to the misty cloud forests of  Mexico.

Planted in the Cortijo Azahar  Garden in February

Bartlettina sordida is a fast-growing perennial species in the Aster family, Asteraceae, with an upright habit and woody branches.  
 
The leaves are a beautiful, velvety green, large & tropical looking, with dark violet veining.
In Spring, the flower stalks rise above foliage. The very upright stalks & stems are deep maroon/purple. 

The fuzzy look of the clusters is due to the thread-like stamens on each flower.  
The blooms have a nice fragrance, smelling somewhat like lilacs.

Bartlettina thrives and grows fast in bright shade & moist, rich soil.

Syngonium podophyllum......Goosefoot plant

Usually grown as a houseplant in colder climes, this  pink leaved Syngonium  is happily growing beneath the black bamboo in the garden at Cortijo Azahar.

Also known as Nephthytis or African evergreen,  this pretty climber can be found growing in trees using its aerial roots to cling on to whatever it is climbing.

 Origins Central America from Mexico to Panama.

Homalocladium platycladum.......Ribbon Plant

 Flowering now at Cortijo Azahar ......

 Evergreen shrub grown for its flattened, jointed, green stems and arrow-shaped leaves.
This shrub from the Polygonaceae, knotweed,  family has both spreading and climbing tendencies.
The tiny flowers are short-lived and compact.
Grow in well-drained soil that is moist in full sun. Will tolerate some shade.
Originally from New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

It is also known as Muehlenbeckia platyclados.