Abelmoschus moschatus
| Abelmoschus moschatus | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 7' |
| Width: | 3' |
| Speed: | Fast |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
Abelmoschus moschatus (common name: musk mallow, formerly known as Hibiscus abelmoschus)
Propagation: Seed - sow April in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best at a temperature around 24 - 24°c[1]. When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots of rich soil and plant them out after the last expected frosts[K]. 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[1].
Cultivation: Easily grown in a rich well-drained soil in a sunny position[1]. 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[1]. 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[1]. It is probably wise to apply a good mulch to the roots in the autumn[K].
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[1]. 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[1].
There is at least one named form, selected for its ornamental value. 'Mischief' is somewhat smaller than the species, reaching a height of 50cm[1].
Range: S.E. Asia - Himalayas to China and Vietnam.
Habitat: Open places in Nepal at elevations of 600 - 1100 metres[2]. Flat areas, valleys, stream sides and scrub slopes in western and southern China[3].
Edibility: Young leaves and shoots - cooked in soups[4][2]. Used as a vegetable[1]. The leaves are also used to clarify sugar[4].
Unripe seedpods - cooked as a vegetable in much the same way as okra (A. esculentus)[4][1][2].
Seed - cooked[2]. It is fried or roasted and has a flavour similar to sesame seeds[2]. The seed is also used as a flavouring for liqueurs or to scent coffee[4][1].
An essential oil is obtained from the plant and is used to flavour baked goods, ice cream, sweets and soft drinks[4].
Root[4]. No more details are given, though the root is likely to have a bland flavour and a fibrous texture.
Medicinal: An emulsion made from the seed is antispasmodic and is especially effective in the digestive system[5][1]. The seeds are also chewed as a nervine, stomachic and to sweeten the breath[5][1]. They are also said to be aphrodisiac[5][1].
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[2].
The essential oil is used in aromatherapy for the treatment of depression and anxiety[1]. It is also applied externally to treat cramp, poor circulation and aching joints[1].
Usage: An essential oil is obtained from the plant[1]. It is used as a food flavouring and in perfumery as a musk substitute[1]. However, it has been known to cause photosensitivity so this use has been largely discontinued[1].
An oil obtained from the seed contains 18.9% linoleic acid[6]. The oil is f high econmic value[3]. Total yields of oil are not given[K].
The seeds are used as an insecticide[5][1]. Another report says that extracts of the fruits and upper parts of the plant show insecticidal activity[6].
A fibre is obtained from the stem bark[1]. It is used to make ropes[2].
A mucilage obtained from the roots is used as a size for paper[1].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Late Summer-Mid Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Manandhar, Narayan. Plants and People of Nepal. Timber Press, 2002.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Chopra, R. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, 1986.