Abelmoschus moschatus
Medik.
Musk mallow, Bush carrot
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What to Eat
Edible parts: Seeds, Leaves, Root, Pods, Spice, Vegetable, Fruit
Young leaves and shoots are cooked in soups or used as a vegetable; the leaves are also used to clarify sugar. Unripe seedpods are cooked as a vegetable in much the same way as okra (A. esculentus). Seeds are cooked — fried or roasted — and have a flavour similar to sesame seeds; they are also used to flavour liqueurs or to scent coffee. An essential oil from the plant is used to flavour baked goods, ice cream, sweets, and soft drinks. The root is also edible, though no further detail is given; it likely has a bland flavour and fibrous texture.
Where to Find It
A tropical plant. It suits tropical climates but can grow in cooler places. It needs a rich well-drained soil in a sunny position. Tolerates a pH in the range 6 to 7.8. In China is grows on flat areas and beside streams in S China. It needs a temperature above 5°C. It suits hardiness zones 9-12. In Yunnan.
American Samoa, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Britain, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Central Africa, Central America, Central America, China, Chuuk, Colombia, Congo DR, Cuba, Denmark, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Europe, Fiji, France, FSM, Germany, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Niue, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Rotuma, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, South America, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies,
How to Identify
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
Nutrition Score: 28/100
| Part | Moisture | kJ | kcal | Protein | Vit A | Vit C | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaves | 82 | 226 | 54 | 4.1 | — | — | — | — |
| Seeds | 11.4 | — | — | 2.3 | — | — | — | — |
| Roots | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Pods | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
How to Grow
Easily grown in a rich well-drained soil in a sunny position. 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. 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. It is probably wise to apply a good mulch to the roots in the autumn. 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. 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. There is at least one named form, selected for its ornamental value. 'Mischief' is somewhat smaller than the species, reaching a height of 50cm.
Propagation: Sow seed in April in a greenhouse, with an ideal germination temperature of around 24°C. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings into individual pots of rich soil and plant out after the last expected frosts. In areas with warm summers, seed can also be sown in situ in late April. Half-ripe cuttings can be taken in July and rooted in a frame.
Medicinal Uses
An emulsion made from the seed is antispasmodic, particularly effective on the digestive system. Seeds are also chewed as a nervine and stomachic and to freshen the breath, and are considered aphrodisiac. They are valued for diuretic, demulcent, and stomachic properties, and are additionally described as stimulant, antiseptic, cooling, tonic, carminative, and aphrodisiac. A bark paste is applied externally to cuts, wounds, and sprains. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy for depression and anxiety, and is applied externally to treat cramp, poor circulation, and aching joints.
Other Uses
An essential oil obtained from the plant is used as a food flavouring and as a musk substitute in perfumery, though its use in perfumery has been largely discontinued due to known photosensitivity reactions. An oil from the seed contains 18.9% linoleic acid and is of high economic value. The seeds are used as an insecticide; extracts of the fruits and upper parts of the plant also show insecticidal activity. A fibre from the stem bark is used to make ropes. Mucilage from the roots is used as a size for paper.
Wikipedia
Source ↗Abelmoschus moschatus is an aromatic and species of medicinal plant in the family Malvaceae native to Asia and Australia. It has many common names, including Abelmosk, ambrette, annual hibiscus, Bamia Moschata, Galu Gasturi, muskdana, musk mallow, musk okra, ornamental okra, rose mallow, tropical jewel hibiscus, and Yorka okra.
Other Information
Cultivated.
Notes
There are about 15 Abelmoschus species. They are tropical and subtropical.
Names & Synonyms
Adusa, Abelmosco, Algalia, Ambarina, Ambrette, Arnam hanserong, Balu-wah, Bana bhendi, Ban bheri, Bon bhendi, Bush carrot, Fai-phee, Fau tagaloa, Gandapura, Gorukhia-korai, Huang kui, Jangali-bhindi, Kapasan, Kapukinissa, Kasturi-bhenda, Kattukasthuri, Kattuvendai, Kon-kado, Latakasturikam, Muskdana, Musk okra, Nikono-koon, Okeoke, Rani, Sangul, Som-chaba, Taw-wah, Tsirandranjaza, Vakeke, Varttilai kasthuri, Wakiwaki, Yirani
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