Taxonomy and Distribution Significance of Moringa sps.: A Review
Ramanjot Kaur
University of Brimihngam, Germany.
Umesh Preethi Praba *
School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Moringa oleifera Lam., a member of the family Moringaceae, is a fast-growing multipurpose tree species valued globally for its exceptional nutritional and medicinal properties. The present study boons a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the species, with emphasis on its taxonomic placement, morphological characteristics, global distribution, and the role of wild relatives in systematics and diversity. The ethnobotanical importance of M. oleifera is explored, highlighting its widespread use in traditional medicine and dietary supplementation, particularly in addressing micronutrient deficiencies such as iron-deficiency anemia. The review also discusses the constraints in its domestication and the ecological implications of its cultivation in various agroclimatic zones. The species also holds considerable promise for nutritional security and sustainable agriculture. The study underscores the botanical, ecological, and applied relevance of M. oleifera, offering direction for future studies to maximize its potential while ensuring biodiversity conservation and responsible utilization.
Keywords: Moringa oleifera, taxonomy, wild relatives, biogeography, genetic diversity