Native rosella, White wild musk mallow
Abelmoschus ficulneus

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

It is a tropical plant. It often grows on clay and alluvial soils and near ditches. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), East Africa, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, West Africa

How it is used for food

The roots and leaves are eaten. They are roasted. The seeds are used for perfuming coffee. They can also be used for sweetmeats. The young fruit are eaten raw.

The plant is used for food in Australia and Africa but not known to be used in Papua New Guinea.

Edible parts

Leaves, roots, fruit, seeds, stems, vegetable

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed. It can also be grown from stem cuttings which start to grow easily. During the time when plants have died back they can easily be transplanted by carefully lifting the underground storage system.

Plants flower from December to May. The stem are lightly roasted on the fire, then they are softened by pounding between rocks. The soft central part of the stem is eaten.

Its other names

Local names

Andha yiza, Bandheras, Deola, Dula, Harjud, Jangli bhindi, Kapasiya, Kasturi, Kathivendai, Nella-bende, Parupubenda, Ran bhendi, Taw-yonbade

Synonyms

Abelmoschus alborubens Benth.; Abelmoschus alboruber F. Muell.; Abelmoschus strictus Voigt.; Hibiscus ficulneus L.; Hibiscus sinuatus Cay.; Laguna aculeata Cav.;