Family: Malvaceae
Author: Medik.
Bibliography: Malvenfam.: 46 (1787)
Year: 1787
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Abelmoschus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia
Description
Musk okra, scientifically known as Abelmoschus moschatus, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. It graces the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia with its striking presence, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits.
This enchanting plant stands out due to its distinctive appearance and utility. It is cultivated not only for its attractive foliage and captivating flowers but also for its aromatic seeds. These seeds emit a musk-like fragrance, which is why it is commonly referred to as musk okra. The seeds are often used in the perfume industry to produce fragrances and are cherished for their unique scent.
Musk okra thrives in warm climates, flourishing in the rich, well-drained soils of its native habitats. Its resilience and adaptability make it a popular choice among gardeners and botanists who aim to introduce a touch of exotic beauty to their landscapes. The plant exhibits a robust growth habit, with lush green leaves and delicate, creamy flowers that add a tropical charm to any setting.
Moreover, Abelmoschus moschatus holds medicinal value. Traditional medicine systems in Asia have long utilized various parts of the plant to treat a range of ailments. Its therapeutic properties are an area of ongoing research, as scientists seek to uncover more of its potential health benefits.
In terms of its classification, Abelmoschus moschatus was first documented by Medik in 1787, as noted in the bibliographic reference “Malvenfam.: 46.” This historical context underscores the plant’s long-standing significance and the enduring interest it has garnered among botanists and horticulturists over the centuries.
In summary, musk okra is celebrated not just for its botanical charm but also for its aromatic seeds and medicinal uses. Its presence in tropical and subtropical Asia highlights its cultural and ecological importance, making it a valued species both in the wild and in cultivated gardens.
Common Names
Por: abelmóscus, quingombô-de-cheiro
Fra: ambrette
Ind: gandapura, kasturi
Eng: musk okra, musk-mallow, tropical jewel-hibiscus
En: Musk okra, Musk-mallow, Tropical jewel-hibiscus, Okra, Ambrette plant, Fautia, Kasturi, Musk, Musk mellow, Muskmallow, Muskseed, Vegetable musk plant, Gandapura, Musk mallow, Musk seed, Rose of Sharon
Ar: Abu-el-misk, Abu-l-mosk, Habb el mosk
Fr: Ambrette, Calou sauvage, Calou grand bois, Calou, Almizcle vegetal, Algalia
De: Ambramalve, Bisameibisch, Muskateller-Bisameibisch, Muskateller-Eibisch
Id: Gandapura, Kasturi
Pt: Abelmóscus, Quingombô-de-cheiro
Synonyms
- Hibiscus abelmoschus var. genuinus (Hochr.)
- Abelmoschus officinalis (Endl.)
- Hibiscus abelmoschus (L.)
- Abelmoschus abelmoschus ((L.) H.Karst.)
- Hibiscus moschatus ((Medik.) Salisb.)
Distribution
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Borneo (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Hainan (native)
- India (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Laos (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Maluku (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Sulawesi (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Aldabra (introduced)
- Andaman Is. (introduced)
- Angola (introduced)
- Belize (introduced)
- Benin (introduced)
- Burkina (introduced)
- Cabinda (introduced)
- Cameroon (introduced)
- Caroline Is. (introduced)
- Cook Is. (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Ecuador (introduced)
- El Salvador (introduced)
- Fiji (introduced)
- Ghana (introduced)
- Guatemala (introduced)
- Guinea (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Honduras (introduced)
- Ivory Coast (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Kazan-retto (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Liberia (introduced)
- Maldives (introduced)
- Marianas (introduced)
- Mauritania (introduced)
- Mexico Central (introduced)
- Mexico Southwest (introduced)
- Nansei-shoto (introduced)
- New Caledonia (introduced)
- Nigeria (introduced)
- Niue (introduced)
- Ogasawara-shoto (introduced)
- Peru (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Samoa (introduced)
- Santa Cruz Is. (introduced)
- Senegal (introduced)
- Seychelles (introduced)
- Sierra Leone (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Solomon Is. (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Tonga (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Tuamotu (introduced)
- Tubuai Is. (introduced)
- Vanuatu (introduced)
- Venezuela (introduced)
- Wallis-Futuna Is. (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
- Zaïre (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Mar 14, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 7, 2020 by Pierre JEANGEORGES (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 16, 2021 by Martin W (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 7, 2020 by Pierre JEANGEORGES (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 2, 2020 by Vijigiri Dr Vijigiri Dinesh (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Mar 24, 2020 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 4, 2020 by Lenny Romauli Lenny (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 22, 2020 by Yves Burckel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2022 by BPP SINJAI SELATAN (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 4, 2022 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2020 by Heiata RAVATUA-SMITH (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Feb 21, 2022 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2020 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2020 by Heiata RAVATUA-SMITH (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:558023-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8312665)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Abelmoschus moschatus Medik.)
