Moringa drouhardii – Malagasy Bottle Tree
Moringa drouhardii – Malagasy Bottle Tree
Grow the fast-growing Moringa drouhardii! This unique caudiciform tree from Madagascar features a swollen trunk and feathery leaves. Perfect for collectors and dry landscapes!
Moringa drouhardii, a rare and fast-growing tree native to Madagascar, is prized for its striking form and remarkable drought tolerance. Known as one of the “bottle trees,” it features a swollen, water-storing trunk and delicate, fern-like foliage. This exotic species is both ornamental and resilient, making it ideal for arid gardens, xeriscaping, and bonsai-style cultivation.
Key Features:
Botanical Name: Moringa drouhardii
Common Names: Malagasy Bottle Tree, Drouhard’s Moringa, Ghost Tree
Family: Moringaceae
Native Region: Southwestern Madagascar
Growth Rate: Fast-growing under optimal conditions
Mature Height: 6–10 m (20–33 feet)
Trunk: Thick, bottle-shaped, water-storing caudex with smooth, pale bark
Leaves: Bipinnate, light green, feathery and airy in appearance
Flowers: White to cream-colored, fragrant, in loose clusters
Season: Grows actively in warm seasons
Growing Conditions:
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
Watering Needs: Very low; highly drought-tolerant
Temperature Tolerance: Prefers warm, arid climates; not frost-hardy
Humidity: Low humidity preferred
Lifespan: Long-lived; trunk expands significantly with age
