Moringa, Drumstick Tree or Horseradish Tree: What’s the Difference?

Yes - the names moringa tree, drumstick tree and horseradish tree are all commonly used for Moringa oleifera. However, true horseradish is a completely different plant, so the name 'horseradish tree' can be confusing.

The different names come from different features of the moringa tree. 'Drumstick tree' refers to its long, slender seed pods, while 'horseradish tree' comes from the sharp, pungent flavour traditionally associated with the root.

If you have seen moringa, drumstick leaves, drumstick pods or horseradish tree mentioned online, this guide explains which names refer to the same plant and where the differences begin.

Moringa, Drumstick and Horseradish Tree: Quick Answer

Name	What It Means
Moringa / Moringa tree	Common name for Moringa oleifera.
Drumstick tree	Another common name for Moringa oleifera, named after its long seed pods.
Drumstick vegetable	The immature pod of Moringa oleifera, commonly used in cooking.
Horseradish tree	Another common name for Moringa oleifera, linked to the pungent flavour of the root.
True horseradish	A different plant: Armoracia rusticana.

What Is Moringa oleifera?

Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree from the Moringaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is now cultivated across many tropical and subtropical regions.

The tree is valued for several different parts, including the leaves, immature seed pods, seeds and flowers. These parts are used in different ways depending on the country and local tradition.

Moringa is now grown throughout parts of Asia, Africa and other warm climates. In Indonesia, the plant is commonly known as kelor, while the leaves are often referred to as daun kelor. 

The leaves are the part most commonly dried and milled into moringa powder. If you’re interested in the research behind the leaf itself, explore our guide to moringa powder benefits.

Is Drumstick the Same as Moringa?

Yes. The drumstick tree is one of the most common English names for Moringa oleifera. The word 'drumstick' can refer to the tree itself or, in cooking, specifically to its long immature seed pods.

Why Is Moringa Called the Drumstick Tree?

The name comes from the tree's long, slender pods. These pods have a shape that resembles drumsticks, which is why the plant became widely known as the drumstick tree.

The pods are commonly used as a vegetable in Indian and Southeast Asian cooking and are often added to soups, curries and stews.

 

Is Moringa the Same as True Horseradish?

No. Moringa oleifera and true horseradish are different plants.

Moringa belongs to the Moringaceae family, while true horseradish - Armoracia rusticana - belongs to the Brassicaceae family. They are botanically different even though one of moringa's common English names is 'horseradish tree'.

Why Is Moringa Called the Horseradish Tree?

The nickname comes from the sharp, spicy flavour traditionally associated with the moringa root, which was compared with horseradish.

That shared flavour reference is the reason for the name, not because the two plants are closely related.

Moringa vs True Horseradish: Quick Comparison

Feature	Moringa	True Horseradish
Scientific name	Moringa oleifera	Armoracia rusticana
Plant family	Moringaceae	Brassicaceae
Commonly used parts	Leaves, pods, seeds and flowers	Root
Why the names overlap	Sometimes called the horseradish tree	This is the plant normally meant by 'horseradish'

Moringa Leaves, Drumstick Leaves and Drumstick Pods

The terminology can become confusing because the same plant is described differently depending on which part is being discussed.

Are Drumstick Leaves the Same as Moringa Leaves?

Yes. Drumstick leaves and moringa leaves are the leaves of the same plant, Moringa oleifera.

The term 'drumstick leaves' is more common in some countries and cooking traditions, while 'moringa leaves' is the name more often used in wellness and nutrition content. When the leaves are dried and finely milled, they become moringa leaf powder. Our guide to how to use moringa powder explains some of the practical ways the powder can be used.

Is the Drumstick Vegetable the Same as Moringa?

Yes. When 'drumstick' is used as the name of a vegetable, it usually means the long immature pod of the moringa tree.

The pod and the leaves come from the same plant, but they are different parts of it and are prepared differently in cooking.

What Parts of the Moringa Tree Are Used?

Different parts of Moringa oleifera have been used traditionally in different regions. The most commonly discussed parts are:

• Leaves - eaten fresh or cooked in some countries and also dried.
• Immature pods - known as drumsticks and widely used as a vegetable.
• Seeds - used for propagation and as the source of moringa seed oil.
• Flowers - used traditionally in some regions.

Roots and bark also appear in traditional-use literature, but they should not be treated as interchangeable with the leaves, pods or seeds.

Different parts of the tree are also used to produce different moringa products. See our guide to the best form of moringa for a comparison of powder, capsules, tea and seed oil.

What Is Moringa Called Around the World?

Moringa has many regional names, which is one reason the same plant can appear to be several different ingredients when people first come across it.

What Is Moringa Called in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, Moringa oleifera is commonly known as kelor. The leaves are often called daun kelor - literally, moringa leaves.

Moringa has been traditionally grown and valued in Indonesia for generations, where the leaves are used in local food and herbal traditions.

Other Regional Names for Moringa

Regional names vary widely. Examples recorded in different parts of Asia include:

• India - names such as sahjan, murunga and moonga.
• Philippines - mulangai.
• Thailand - marum.
• Vietnam - chùm ngây.

In English, common names include moringa, drumstick tree, horseradish tree and ben-oil tree.

Where Does the Moringa Tree Grow?

Moringa oleifera grows best in warm tropical and subtropical climates. It is known for being fast-growing and relatively drought-tolerant once established.

Although it originated in the Indian subcontinent, it is now cultivated throughout parts of Southeast Asia, Africa, South America and other warm regions.

Can Moringa Grow in Australia?

Moringa can be grown in warmer parts of Australia where conditions suit a tropical or subtropical tree. It generally performs best in warm conditions and is less suited to prolonged cold or frost.

The Australian climate varies considerably, so growing conditions will differ depending on location.

 

👉 Explore the Empathy Herbal Moringa range to learn more about our moringa products and sourcing.

 

Moringa, Drumstick and Horseradish Tree: Final Thoughts

Moringa tree, drumstick tree and horseradish tree are all common names used for Moringa oleifera. The name 'drumstick' comes from its long pods, while 'horseradish tree' comes from the pungent flavour traditionally associated with the root.

The important distinction is that true horseradish is a separate plant. Drumstick leaves, moringa leaves and drumstick pods, on the other hand, all come from Moringa oleifera.
In Indonesia, the plant is commonly known as kelor or daun kelor, reflecting the many regional names this widely used tree has collected over time.

 

👉  Still have questions about moringa? Our Moringa FAQ covers more common questions about the plant, its different forms and how it is used.