Description
An upright shrub to 2.5 m in height, native to tropical and warm-temperate regions of Asia, but cultivated elsewhere due to its economic importance, as the source of a highly prized aromatic oil. It forms a long and slender tap root, hairy, dark green leaves, very variable in shape and conspicuous yellow flowers with a purple center, followed by oblong fruit capsules containing scented black seeds. Aside its use in the cosmetic industry, Abelmoschus moschatus has a variety of application in traditional medicine. It is drought tolerant and will grow well in USDA Zones 9 to 11.