Musk Rose
Rosa moschata
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A shrub or climbing rose. The stems can arch over. It grows 3-10 m high and spreads 3 m wide. It has a few thorns. The leaves are shiny grey-green. The flowers are cream or pink and single. They are in loose clusters. The fruit are small downy hips. They are oval and orange-red.
There are about 150 Rosa species and many cultivated varieties.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. In Chile it grows from sea level to 2,000 m above sea level. It grows in full sun but can tolerate some shade. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. It can tolerate some frost and snow. In NW Pakistan it grows in high mountain valleys.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Chile, Europe, Himalayas, Indonesia, Iran, Middle East, Pakistan, SE Asia, South America
How it is used for food
The young shoots are eaten. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are used as a side dish to rice. The flowers are eaten fresh or cooked. The fruit are eaten fresh.
It is a cultivated food plant. The fruit are especially eaten by children.
Edible parts
Leaves, flowers, fruit
How it is grown
In NW Pakistan fruit are available in August.
Its other names
Local names
Falari, Kembang ros, Khorach, Kwrach