The Horseradish tree originated in India and has spread in popularity to many parts of Asia, Central and South America, Africa and the Pacific. This tree has delicate foliage and attractive pale yellow flowers. Possibly one of the most useful trees in the world, it produces long green pods that have been compared to a cross between peanuts and asparagus. The roots are used as a substitute for horseradish and the edible leaves make a highly nutritious vegetable. The roots have also been documented as useful in many folk remedies.
The slender, semi -deciduous, perennial tree, to about 10 m tall with drooping branches. Thrives in subtropical and tropical climates, flowering and fruiting freely and continuously. Grows best on a dry sandy soil. Makes an ideal shade tree with high drought resistance.
| Height | Frost tol. | Pollination req'd | Evergreen/Deciduous | Harvest period |
| 4-8 | Medium | No | Semi-deciduous | Summer - Autumn |
We welcome your Tips on Drumstick or Horseradish Tree. Share Your Tip.
The fruit is also edible when cooked. Harvest the fruit when it is not fully mature or reached the woody stage. Slice the fruit lengthwise by following the groove. Easier to slice into four pieces to access the soft pods. | Susana Realica-turner - Belmont, NSW 05-Jan-2006
The young leaves of Drumstick tree can also be cooked and used as a vegetable. This is a commonly used vegetable in Northern part of The Philippines. | Jay Queja - Berowra Heights, NSW 12-Jan-2006
Very tasty when added to chicken stew/chicken soup | V. Austin - Blaine, WA 30-Jan-2006
The soft yellow and white flowers are an excellent vegetable also. May be sauted withy onions and a pinch of tumeric, or added to your omlette. If you choose the latter, keep your omlette simple with just onions and drumstick flowers in beaten eggs | Yogendra Narayan - Griffith, NSW 05-Feb-2006
The Pods are wonderfully tasty when cooked with Tumeric and English Mustard as part of Sri-Lankan cuisine. | Noel Burdette - Goodna, QLD 02-Oct-2006
Wanted, hints on how to grow the seeds | Sheila Tierney - Gold Coast, QLD 02-Jun-2007
Hi Sheila, I haven't tried growing drumstick tree from seeds but I am not a botanist. You can grow it from mature cuttings say 3 cm diametre by 1 m. It needs very rich soil, protect cutting from getting dry or sun burn. | Susana Realica-turner - Belmont, NSW 30-Oct-2007
Adding the ground up seed of the drumstick tree clarifies turbid water. According to New Scientist it also traps much of the bacteria content in the water as well. How cool is that? Who needs water purifiers? | Ruben Garcia - Jiggi, NSW 03-Jan-2008
Young trees need protection from Possums as they will destroy them> | Steve - Bundaberg, QLD 28-Feb-2008
Can you grow drumstick in a pot?? | Diane - Springfield, QLD 18-Mar-2008
Hi Diane you may but it will not thrive well unless planted outside directly in the soil. The young plant is very frost-sensitive until the branches harden and become woody with age. | Y Narayan - Griffith, NSW 11-May-2008
I love drumsticks cooked in a curry but want to know where to buy a tree in perth western australia | Yvonne Pringle - Armadale , W.A. 06-Aug-2008
Can it treat diabitis | Rouaa Maher Abdle Rahim - Sudan Khartoum, KHART 04-Jan-2009
Dear all, my drum stick tree has quadrupald in size from when I bought it abt 4mnths ago!!! Its fruiting now!!! And what's best is that I grow it in a very large plastic pot...hw abt that!!!!! | S.l. - Quakers Hill, NSW 03-Feb-2009
When hot crab curries are cooked drumstick leaves are added and the crab curry taste heaven! This is a regional Sri Lankan recipe. | Giri - Cheltenham, NSW 01-Mar-2009
My drumstick tree provides us with many drumsticks, we supply to friends & family and also sell to the local gourmet shop. I have successfully grown the tree from seed as well. | Jeffrey Blaquiere - Marangaroo-6064, W.A. 04-May-2009
We want to make drumstick tree as popular as any holy tree & make it compulsory in every court yard in every house hold | Ashutosh Pandey - Bhopal India, INDIA 20-Jul-2009
My drumstick tree is now well over 3m tall, is completely decidous in a temperate zone but appears healthy. I will need to plant it in the ground this spring.I beleive it is also known as Saragawa. It tastes great. | Sl - Quakers Hill, NSW 23-Aug-2009
Mature drumstick can be dried, powdered and used in vegetables, soups. If fibrous, or long sticks, they can be put in a sieve and separated. Flowers can be cooked with grated coconut, or with potatoes and peas. | Nirmala Patwari - Hyderabad, India, A P 10-Sep-2009
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