345: tree of promise?

I found a very interesting article today in the Christian Science Monitor. It's about a tree called the moringa, native to South Asia but found in many countries across the world, which some think could help families battle malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa. Apparently, the tree's seedpods are highly nutritious, as are its leaves - indeed, to quote the article, its leaves contain "more beta carotene than carrots, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, more Vitamin C than oranges, and more potassium than bananas" and are rich in protein too. The tree's also pretty drought resistant - useful in dry regions, particularly amidst a changing climate. Sounds good - but experts say more studies are needed to ascertain the dietary benefits of the moringa before extensive tree planting can be justified. Let's hope the evidence comes quickly - and that the tree's promise is born out. (Photo from Christian Science Monitor.)