Abelmoschus ficulneus is a species of flowering plant in the genus Abelmoschus, family Malvaceae. Commonly known as white wild musk mallow or native rosella, it is a fibrous perennial with a woody stem. Its flowers bloom about an inch in diameter with colors of pink or white, and a rose center;[2] its leaves are palmate.[3] This plant can be cultivated for its medicinal properties.[4]
| Abelmoschus ficulneus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Abelmoschus |
| Species: | A. ficulneus
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| Binomial name | |
| Abelmoschus ficulneus | |
| Synonyms | |
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This species was first recorded by Wright and Arn in 1833.[5] This plant matures into a compact upright shrub, growing up to 2 to 5 ft (1 to 2 m) tall and 2 to 6 ft (1 to 2 m) in width. The leaves have a round, cordiform shaped base, with a width of 4 to 7 cm (2 to 3 in), and a length of 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in).Leaves are rough on both sides, toothed, and have 3 to 5 lobes. Flower stock are covered in velvety hair, and the flowers themselves are 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 in) across. The stocks are short and colored white to pink with a dark purple center. Flowers last a few days. The plant has small hairs which may cause irritation.[3] The plant's seed heads are hairy and sticky, ovalar in shape and 2.5–4 cm (1–2 in) long and 1.3–2 cm (1–1 in) wide, with five ribs and a short beak. Seeds that are still in their growth period are medium to dark green, and when they are mature they turn dark brown, and split into five parts to release 10 to 20 brown to black spherical seeds, covered in tiny hairs.[6] They grow in groups of flowers called inflorescences.[5] They are also eudicots, characterized by their flower petals growing in groups of five parts. There are two embryonic leaves, which are also known as the cotyledon. The leaves are also veined.[5]
Abelmoschus ficulneus germinates in the spring and summer months, after the effects of rainfall and irrigation have set in. The plant grows rapidly over spring and summer several months after emergence, through autumn. Mature seeds are produced within a month of flowering in the late summer and autumn seasons.[6]
The species is native to north and east Africa, Madagascar, Indomalaya and Northern Australia, where it has become a common crop weed, particularly in cotton.[2][3][6]
This plant can be cultivated for human use in medicinal treatments. The therapeutic application of this particular species can be used in treating sprains, toothaches, and bronchitis.[4]
Gallery
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Abelmoschus ficulneus leaves in Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, India. -
Abelmoschus ficulneus leaves in Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, India. -
Abelmoschus ficulneus fruit in Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, India.
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References
edit- ^ Allen, R.; Plummer, J. (2019). "Abelmoschus ficulneus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T123707362A123802086. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T123707362A123802086.en.
- ^ a b c "Abelmoschus ficulneus". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
- ^ a b c d "White Wild Musk Mallow". Flowers of India. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
- ^ a b Dashputre, Neelam Laxman; Bandawane, Deepti D. (December 2021). "Effect of Abelmoschus ficulneus (L.) Wight & Arn. on immunomodulation: in vivo experimental animal models". Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 7 (1). doi:10.1186/s43094-021-00257-9. ISSN 2314-7253.
- ^ a b c "Abelmoschus ficulneus (L.) Wight & Arn. ex Wight | Species". WIKTROP - Weed Identification and Knowledge in the Tropical and Mediterranean areas. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ^ a b c "Native rosella". Cotton Catchment Communities. Archived from the original on 25 July 2008. Retrieved 29 July 2010.