Abelmoschus moschatus
Musk Mallow
a perennial member of the Abelmoschus genus in the family Malvaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Genus
- Abelmoschus
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Growth rate
- vigorous
- Height
- 2 m
- Spread
- 1 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Young leaves and shoots - cooked in soups[1][5]. Used as a vegetable[2]. The leaves are also used to clarify sugar[1]. Unripe seedpods - cooked as a vegetable in much the same way as okra (A. esculentus)[1][2][5]. Seed - cooked[5]. It is fried or roasted and has a flavour similar to sesame seeds[5]. The seed is also used as a flavouring for liqueurs or to scent coffee[1][2]. An essential oil is obtained from the plant and is used to flavour baked goods, ice cream, sweets and soft drinks[1]. Root[1]. No more details are given, though the root is likely to have a bland flavour and a fibrous texture.
- Product or use
- Condiment
- Plant part
- Leaves
- Plant part
- Root
- Plant part
- Seedpod
- Plant part
- Seed
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
An emulsion made from the seed is antispasmodic and is especially effective in the digestive system[6][2]. The seeds are also chewed as a nervine, stomachic and to sweeten the breath[6][2]. They are also said to be aphrodisiac[6][2]. The seeds are valued medicinally for their diuretic, demulcent and stomachic properties. They are also said to be stimulant, antiseptic, cooling, tonic, carminative and aphrodisiac. A paste of the bark is applied to cuts, wounds and sprains[5]. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy for the treatment of depression and anxiety[2]. It is also applied externally to treat cramp, poor circulation and aching joints[2].
- Product or use
- Antihalitosis
- Product or use
- Antispasmodic
- Product or use
- Aphrodisiac
- Product or use
- Aromatherapy
- Product or use
- Digestive
- Product or use
- Nervine
- Product or use
- Stomachic
- Product or use
- Vulnerary
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
An essential oil is obtained from the plant[2]. It is used as a food flavouring and in perfumery as a musk substitute[2]. However, it has been known to cause photosensitivity so this use has been largely discontinued[2]. An oil obtained from the seed contains 18.9% linoleic acid[3]. The oil is f high econmic value[4]. Total yields of oil are not given[K]. The seeds are used as an insecticide[6][2]. Another report says that extracts of the fruits and upper parts of the plant show insecticidal activity[3]. A fibre is obtained from the stem bark[2]. It is used to make ropes[5]. A mucilage obtained from the roots is used as a size for paper[2].
- Product or use
- Essential
- Product or use
- Fibre
- Product or use
- Insecticide
- Product or use
- Oil
- Product or use
- Size
Environment
- Range
- S.E. Asia - Himalayas to China and Vietnam.
- Habitat
- Open places in Nepal at elevations of 600 - 1100 metres[5]. Flat areas, valleys, stream sides and scrub slopes in western and southern China[4].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 9+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - sow April in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best at a temperature around 24 - 24°c[2]. When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots of rich soil and plant them out after the last expected frosts[K]. The seed can also be sown in situ in late April in areas with warm summers. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July in a frame[2].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Easily grown in a rich well-drained soil in a sunny position[2]. Tolerates a pH in the range 6 to 7.8. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c and can be grown outdoors in the milder areas of the country[2]. The plant grows as a shrub in frost-free climates but is usually cut back to the ground in British winters. So long as these winters are not too cold, however, it can usually be grown as a herbaceous perennial with new shoots being produced freely from the root-stock. These flower in the summer[2]. It is probably wise to apply a good mulch to the roots in the autumn[K]. It is best to cut back the stems to about 15cm long in the spring even if they have not been killed back by the frost[2]. This will ensure an abundance of new growth and plenty of flowers in the summer. The musk mallow is widely cultivated in tropical climates for its many uses[2]. There is at least one named form, selected for its ornamental value. 'Mischief' is somewhat smaller than the species, reaching a height of 50cm[2].
References
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00
Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6
Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9