Moringa drouhardii

Endemic to southwestern Madagascar, this semisucculent tree grows in dry tropical habitats and develops a swollen, bottle-shaped trunk. Young trees grow quickly and can establish in open spaces in the forest. Loose, branching clusters carry small cream to pale yellow flowers. The seeds yield a stable, odorless oil used as a base for perfumes, cosmetics and massage oils. It is often planted along field boundaries and is well adapted to very dry conditions. Photographed in Ecuador.