Muskmallow, the useful and beautiful
Abelmoschus rhodopetalus
Family: Malvaceae
Perennial Herb
Perennial plants that normally reach up to 2’ tall from a thick tuberous root. Red flowers appear in warm weather followed by small, okra-like fruits (this plant is in the same genus as okra). The seeds are small, dark brown to black, and smell like amber musk. Plants may go deciduous in cold weather, only to re-emerge from their tuberous roots in spring.
Formerly known as Abelmoschus moschatus subsp. tuberosus.
USES
Musk mallow seed oil was once frequently used as a substitute in perfumes for animal musk; however, this use is now mostly replaced by various synthetic musks. The seeds are ground and added to coffee for flavor.
Seeds are also strung into necklaces for aromatic adornment.
The seeds are used by some people to fatten up chickens. This plant is also grown in tortoise enclosures (tortoises love this plant).
unripe pods ("musk okra"), leaves and new leafy shoots are eaten as vegetables.
Different parts of the plant have uses in Ayurveda herbal medicine, including as an antispasmodic and to treat gonorrhea.
In industry the root mucilage provides sizing for paper; tobacco is sometimes flavored with the flowers.
PRESERVATION
In general the plant is used fresh for food. The seeds are collected when dry and can store for some time.
GROWING
SEASON & PLANTING
Plant in the warm season.
SOIL & NUTRITION
This plant grows in many soil types, best planted in amended garden soil that is well-drained.
TEMPERATURE & SUN EXPOSURE
Plant in full to part sun. The top will freeze back at frost time, but the root is hardy to at least 20°F maybe lower. Plants do fine with the heat so long as they have moisture.
WATER
Moderate to regular water, if good drainage is present.
HARVESTING
Cut new, tender leafy stems as needed. Harvest the pods when unripe and green. Harvest seeds when fruits have dried. The root is best harvested in winter when plants go dormant.
WILDLIFE
This plant is highly edible to wildlife. Being a mallow, it is beneficial to many pollinators. Many moth species may use the foliage as a larval host. Tortoises love this plant.
INVASIVENESS
Muskmallow does not seem to be escaping cultivation in our region.