Abelmoschus ficulneus
| 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 |
| Binomial name | |
| Abelmoschus ficulneus | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
List
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Abelmoschus ficulneus is a species of flowering plant in the genus Abelmoschus of the family Malvaceae. It is commonly known as the "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, with a rose center;[2] its leaves are palmate.[4] This fast growing plant can also be cultivated for its medicinal properties,[5] making it a very versatile plant that is greatly beneficial for human use.
This plant can be found mainly in north and East Africa, Madagascar, Indomalaya, and Northern Australia.[2]
Taxonomy
This species was first recorded by Wight and Arn. in 1833.[6]
They are eudicots, characterized by their flower petals growing in groups of five parts. They have two embryonic leaves, which are also known as the cotyledon. In addition, their leaves are also veined. They are from the genus Abelmoschus, family Malvacea, and belong to the clade angiosperms, and are classified as magnoliophyta.[2]
Description
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 stocks 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.[4] The plant's seed heads are hairy and sticky, oval 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. Seed heads 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.[7] They grow in groups of flowers called inflorescences.[6]
Germination
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.[7]
Habitat
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][4][7]
Human Use
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.[5] In addition, studies also show that the oral administration of A.ficulneus can potentially increase antibody responses and contribute in furthering future research specific to treating diseases that affect the immune system.[5] Research also shows that the root extracts of this plant can protect from drug-induced hepatotoxicity.[8] This particular species consists of many antioxidant properties that can be cultivated to improve physical well-being. The rich source of oils and proteins in the seeds are responsible for the plants anti-oxidative properties.[9]
There are many nutritional, medicinal, and pharmaceutical properties that can be used to benefit overall human health. In addition, paper, fibers, and textiles can also be synthesized from this species.[10]
The fibers of this plant can also be used to reinforce structures, making the potential uses of this plant very versatile.
Gallery
Leaves in Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, India.
Leaves in Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, India.
Fruit in Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, India.
Flower in Corfield, Australia.
Reference
- ^ 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 d e "Abelmoschus ficulneus". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
- ^ "Abelmoschus ficulneus (L.) Wight & Arn". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ a b c "White Wild Musk Mallow". Flowers of India. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
- ^ a b c 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 "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.
- ^ Urugonda, Swetha; Vanapatla, Swaroopa Rani (31 December 2021). "Hepatoprotective Effect of Abelmoschus Ficulneus Root Extract Against Drug Induced Hepatotoxicity Caused by the Combined Action of Isoniazid and Rifampicin". Journal of Advanced Scientific Research. 12 (4 Suppl 1): 163–170. doi:10.55218/JASR.s1202112417. ISSN 0976-9595.
- ^ Sundar Rao, K.; Pantulu, A. J.; Lakshminarayana, G. (1 July 1983). "Analysis of Calotropis gigantea, Acacia Caesia and Abelmoschus Ficulneus seeds". Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society. 60 (7): 1259–1261. doi:10.1007/BF02702095. ISSN 1558-9331.
- ^ Sharma, Kavita; Mishra, Kanchan; Senapati, Kula Kamal; Danciu, Corina (7 April 2021). Bioactive Compounds in Nutraceutical and Functional Food for Good Human Health. BoD – Books on Demand. ISBN 978-1-83880-887-7.