| Abelmoschus moschatus | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Abelmoschus |
| Species: | A. moschatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Abelmoschus moschatus Medik |
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Abelmoschus moschatus (Abelmosk, Ambrette seeds, Annual hibiscus, Bamia Moschata, Galu Gasturi, Muskdana, Musk mallow, Musk okra, Musk seeds, Ornamental okra, Rose mallow seeds, Tropical jewel hibiscus, Yorka okra; syn. Hibiscus abelmoschus L.) is an aromatic and medicinal plant in the Malvaceae family, which is native to India.
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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 oil was once used as a substitute for animal musk; however this use is now mostly discontinued as it can cause photosensitivity.[citation needed]
Culinary uses
It has many culinary uses. The seeds are added to coffee; unripe pods ("musk okra"), leaves and new shoots are eaten as vegetables. It is also found in a number of traditional herbal liqueurs, such as Bénédictine.
Medicinal uses
Different parts of the plant have uses in traditional and complementary medicine, not all of which have been scientifically proven. It is used externally to relieve spasms of the digestive tract, cramp, poor circulation and aching joints.[citation needed] It is also considered an insecticide and an aphrodisiac.[citation needed]
Other uses
In industry the root mucilage provides sizing for paper; tobacco is sometimes flavoured with the flowers.
External links
Deni Bown: The Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Herbs (1995) ISBN
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