Himalayan musk rose
Rosa macrophylla

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 2 m high. It has few prickles. The prickles are straight with a broad, expanded base. The leaves have stalks. The leaves are divided into 5-9 leaflets with an odd number. These are divided along the stalk without leaflet stalks. They have fine teeth and are hairy underneath. The flowers are large and occur singly. They are pinkish red and at the ends of branches. The fruit are very large. They can be 5 cm long. They are red, bristly and flask shaped. They are edible.

There are about 150 Rosa species and many cultivated varieties.

Where it is found

It is a temperate to subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 2100-3800 m altitude. They grow in open, rocky places. Melbourne Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, India, Himalayas, (country/location of origin) Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Sikkim, Tibet

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Amdoga, Ban-gulab, Bella, Benyl, Bhainsi kanda, Bhaunra kujoi, Breri, Dan-Kunja, Dandkunj, Dhur-kunj, Ghor sepala, Gulabi khwarach, Jangali gulab, Kesar, Kuja, Kunja bhaunra, Phelalo, Se ba, Seghu, Segoe, Segoe-fo, Shingari, Trind, Tumbi, Yal

Synonyms

Rosa hookeriana Wall.;