The Green Gold of Africa

by NourishingthePlanet

Crossposted from the Worldwatch Institute's Nourishing the Planet.

Often called ‘magic’ marama, the green gold of Africa, this plant is working its secret charm above and below ground in southern Africa.  Above ground it produces seeds similar to the peanut or soybean, but is actually higher in nutritional value than either; below ground it produces a high-protein tuber that is bigger and healthier than potatoes, yams or sugar beets. And to top it off, the planet can also generate a high quality vegetable oil.

continued at Daily Kos....

What plant is a "supermarket on a trunk"?

by NourishingthePlanet

Moringa: The Giving Tree

Referred to as a “supermarket on a trunk,” moringa is potentially one of the planet’s most valuable plants. Serving not only as a reliable source of diverse foods, moringa also provides lamp oil, wood, paper, liquid fuel, skin treatments, and the means to help purify water.  But despite its multiple uses, and well-earned nickname, the tree is relatively unknown to most people in the United States.

Referred to as a “supermarket on a trunk,” moringa is potentially one of the planet’s most valuable plants.

continued at Daily Kos....