Musk mallow (Abelmoschus moschatus)

Abelmoschus moschatus, musk mallow or ambrette, is an okra relative whose seeds smell of musk. Ambrette seed oil is a prized natural musk note in fine perfumes. The plant has yellow, hibiscus-like flowers with a dark centre and grows wild and cultivated in India, where it is known as latakasturi.

Botanical name: Abelmoschus moschatus Medik.
Family: Malvaceae
Tamil: Kasturi venda
Hindi: Mushkdana
Parts used: Seed
Habit: Musk mallow; Tamil venda is a shop word
Last updated: 2026-10-30

How to recognise Musk mallow

It is an upright, hairy annual or short-lived perennial, about a metre tall.

The leaves are deeply lobed, like a maple or hand, and roughly hairy.

Flowers are large, pale yellow, with a deep maroon centre, like those of okra or hibiscus.

The pods are hairy and pointed, holding kidney-shaped, grey-brown seeds that smell of musk when crushed. Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus, has long, tender, edible pods.

Each flower opens for a single day.

Traditional use of Musk mallow

Perfumery

Ambrette seed oil has long been used in Indian attars and Western perfumes as a plant alternative to animal musk.

Perfumery tradition

Ayurveda

Latakasturi seeds appear in classical formulations.

Ayurvedic materia medica

Kitchen

In some regions the seeds have been used to flavour coffee and sweets, and the young leaves and pods are cooked as vegetables.

South and Southeast Asian practice

Modern notes on Musk mallow

The musky scent comes mainly from a macrocyclic lactone, ambrettolide, which is now also made synthetically.

The young pods and leaves are eaten in parts of Southeast Asia.

Musk mallow safety

Use the seeds and oil for scent. Concentrated essential oils can irritate skin.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to tropical Asia and grows in India on wasteland, field edges and forest margins.

Its flowers are visited by bees.

It is cultivated for its seeds in India and elsewhere.

It grows easily from seed and can become weedy in warm, wet places.

Related plants

Also in Malvaceae

Questions about Musk mallow

Is Musk mallow okra?

No. Okra is Abelmoschus esculentus.

What older names does Abelmoschus moschatus go by?

Hibiscus abelmoschus.

What is ambrette?

The musk-scented seed and its oil.

Is Musk mallow grown commercially in India?

Yes, on a small scale, mainly for seed and perfumery oil.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.