Musk mallow, Bush carrot
Abelmoschus moschatus

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

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.

There are about 15 Abelmoschus species. They are tropical and subtropical.

Where it is found

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.

Countries/locations it is found in

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 it is used for food

The root tuber is eaten roasted. The young leaves are eaten cooked. They are used in soups. The leaves are used to clarify sugar. The seeds are used for flavouring. The are used to flavour bread, stews, and liqueurs. They can be chewed to sweeten the breath. The unripe pods are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The seeds are the source of an essential oil used to flavour baked goods, ice cream, soft drinks and sweets.

Cultivated.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves, root, pods, spice, vegetable, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. The seed germinates best at a temperature around 24°C. Seed can be sown direct or transplanted. Cuttings can be used. Plants should be cut back to allow new shoots to develop.

Its other names

Local names

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

Synonyms

Abelmoschus betulifolia Wall.; Abelmoschus chinensis Wall.; Abelmoschus ciliaris Walp.; Hibiscus abelmoschus L.; Hibiscus chinensis Roxb.; and others