Contents
Description
Abelmoschus Moschatus, commonly known as Musk Mallow, is a beautiful and fragrant plant that belongs to the family of Malvaceae. It is native to India, but it is also found in other parts of the world. The plant can grow up to a height of 1.5m, and it has large yellow flowers that have a red center. The flowers have a sweet fragrance that is similar to musk, hence the name Musk Mallow.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Abelmoschus |
Appearance
The Musk Mallow plant has large yellow flowers that have a red center. The flowers have a sweet fragrance that is similar to musk. The leaves are green and have a palmate shape with three to seven lobes. The plant can grow up to a height of 1.5m, and it has a woody stem. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Care Guide
Musk Mallow plants require regular care to thrive. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but do not overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The Musk Mallow plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Musk Mallow plants are susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:
- Aphids: These tiny insects feed on the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.
- Whiteflies: These insects feed on the undersides of the leaves and can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can cause the roots to rot and the plant to wilt.
Habitat
Musk Mallow plants are native to India, but they are also found in other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Europe. They grow in a variety of habitats, including fields, meadows, and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Musk Mallow plants be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Musk Mallow plants can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Musk Mallow plants be fertilized?
A: Musk Mallow plants should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Q: Are Musk Mallow plants drought-tolerant?
A: Musk Mallow plants prefer regular watering, but they can tolerate some drought.
Q: Can Musk Mallow plants be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Musk Mallow plants can be propagated from cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Related Plants
- Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra)
- Abelmoschus ficulneus (White Wild Hibiscus)
- Abelmoschus manihot (Aibika)
References
- Abelmoschus Moschatus (L.) Medicus. (n.d.) World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Retrieved from http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=378704
- Abelmoschus Moschatus. (n.d.) Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287243&isprofile=0&basic=musk%20mallow
- Abelmoschus Moschatus (L.) Medicus. (n.d.) Plants of the World Online. Retrieved from http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:558139-1
