Abelmoschus moschatus
Musk Mallow,Musk Okra
No summary available.
Growing Conditions
Physical Characteristics
Abelmoschus moschatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Care Guide
Aspect How to do it Watering Frequency, how to tell if too much/too little Light Direct / indirect Temperature Ideal range Soil Best type Fertilizer How often, what type
Abelmoschus moschatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Common problems & solutions
Abelmoschus moschatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Benefits
Abelmoschus moschatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Propagation
Abelmoschus moschatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
FAQ
Abelmoschus moschatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Cultivation & Care
Care Level
["Half Hardy", "Moist Soil", "Full sun"]
Propagation
Seed - sow April in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best at a temperature around 24 - 24°c[238]. 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[238].
Habitat & Distribution
Other Uses
An essential oil is obtained from the plant[238]. It is used as a food flavouring and in perfumery as a musk substitute[238]. However, it has been known to cause photosensitivity so this use has been largely discontinued[238]. An oil obtained from the seed contains 18.9% linoleic acid[240]. The oil is f high econmic value[266]. Total yields of oil are not given[K]. The seeds are used as an insecticide[4, 238]. Another report says that extracts of the fruits and upper parts of the plant show insecticidal activity[240]. A fibre is obtained from the stem bark[238]. It is used to make ropes[272]. A mucilage obtained from the roots is used as a size for paper[238].
Special Uses
["Scented Plants"]
Safety Information
⚠️ None known
Names & Related Plants
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Scientific Synonyms
Hibiscus abelmoschus.
Related Plants
["Plant.aspx?LatinName=Abelmoschus esculentus", "Plant.aspx?LatinName=Abelmoschus manihot"]