Musk Mallow, Musk Okra
Abelmoschus moschatus

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

Abelmoschus moschatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Open places in Nepal at elevations of 600 - 1100 metres. Flat areas, valleys, stream sides and scrub slopes in western and southern China.

S.E. Asia - Himalayas to China and Vietnam.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves and shoots - cooked in soups. Used as a vegetable. The leaves are also used to clarify sugar. Unripe seedpods - cooked as a vegetable in much the same way as okra (A. esculentus). Seed - cooked. It is fried or roasted and has a flavour similar to sesame seeds. The seed is also used as a flavouring for liqueurs or to scent coffee. An essential oil is obtained from the plant and is used to flavour baked goods, ice cream, sweets and soft drinks. Root. No more details are given, though the root is likely to have a bland flavour and a fibrous texture.

Oil: Oil

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 3

An emulsion made from the seed is antispasmodic and is especially effective in the digestive system. The seeds are also chewed as a nervine, stomachic and to sweeten the breath. They are also said to be aphrodisiac. 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. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy for the treatment of depression and anxiety. It is also applied externally to treat cramp, poor circulation and aching joints.

Antihalitosis: Treats bad breath

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.

Appetizer: Improves the appetite

Aromatherapy: Plants whose essential oils are used in Aromatherapy.

Digestive: Aids digestion.

Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 3

An essential oil is obtained from the plant. It is used as a food flavouring and in perfumery as a musk substitute. However, it has been known to cause photosensitivity so this use has been largely discontinued. An oil obtained from the seed contains 18.9% linoleic acid. The oil is f high econmic value. Total yields of oil are not given. The seeds are used as an insecticide. Another report says that extracts of the fruits and upper parts of the plant show insecticidal activity. A fibre is obtained from the stem bark. It is used to make ropes. A mucilage obtained from the roots is used as a size for paper.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

Insecticide: Kills insects.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

Size: Used on materials, paper etc to give a surface that will take ink, dyes etc.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

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.

Propagating it: Seed - sow April in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best at a temperature around 24 - 24°c. When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots of rich soil and plant them out after the last expected frosts. 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.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Hibiscus abelmoschus.