A Haitian Treasure: Moringa (Benzoliv)

Common name: Moringa

Latin name: Moringa Oleifera
Haitian name: Pye pwa mirak or Benzoliv

What is it good for? Nutrition Nutrition Nutrition! Moringa is extremely high in protein, vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and iron. It also contains all essential amino acids.

Moringa is considered a miracle plant since every part of it has a specific use. It's amazing how medicinal the root, seed, flower, and pods all are. Moringa is used for medicine and nutrition, and even to purify water. Moringa has even been studied more closely for its use as biodiesel.


In Haiti, the moringa flowers are often used to treat colds and to improve circulation and immunity. Haitians make tea and soup with moringa, and also put it in mayi moulen.

Other thoughts: Moringa is known to have the ability to combat malnutrition, which is so amazing I think it's super important to take care of our individual and communal health. I have to say I am also interested in the socio-economic opportunities that moringa can provide to Haiti, and I give props to the Haitian-led initiatives underway to plant moringa. The moringa tree is very resilient, as it can grow in a variety of climates and in the harshest of conditions, which is a plus for a deforested place like Haiti. People all over the world are fans of moringa and I believe that Haiti can jump on the bandwagon and become a world-class producer of this amazing plant.