Abelmoschus moschatus
Abelmoschus moschatus is an aromatic and medicinal plant in the family Malvaceae native to Asia and Australia.Characteristics
The seeds have a sweet, flowery, heavy fragrance similar to that of musk.
Despite its tropical origin, the plant is frost-hardy.Uses of the plant
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 due to its high cost.It has many culinary uses. The seeds are added to coffee; unripe pods, leaves and new shoots are eaten as vegetables.Different parts of the plant have uses in Ayurveda herbal medicine, including as an antispasmodic and to treat gonorrhea. However, use may result in phytophotodermatitis and it has not been proven safe for use during pregnancy and lactation.Other uses
In industry the root mucilage provides sizing for paper; tobacco is sometimes flavoured with the flowers.
