Common Name: Musk Rose

General Information

Rosa moschata is a prickly, deciduous shrub with arching to somewhat climbing stems that can grow from 3 - 10 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. A very ornamental plant, it is often grown in the garden and is sometimes cultivated for its edible flowers[, ].

Known Hazards

There is a layer of hairs around the seeds just beneath the flesh of the fruit. These hairs can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract if ingested.

Botanical References

,

Range

The original habitat is obscure, it is probably western Asia - Iran and Afghanistan

Habitat

Not known in a truly wild situation.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rosa moschata is a moderately cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate temperatures down to around -20°c when fully dormant[].
Most Rosa species require a sunny position if they are to flourish and flower well. They prefer a circumneutral pH, succeeding in a range of soil texturess so long as they are moist but well-drained[, ].
A very ornamental plant, it is sometimes cultivated for its edible flowers and there are some named varieties[]. The cultivar 'Belinda' has been very highly rated for its edible flowers[].
The flowers emit a delicate musk-like perfume[].
Rose species will often hybridize freely with other members of the genus[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The fruit is up to 15mm in diameter[], but there is only a thin layer of flesh surrounding the many seeds[]. Some care has to be taken when eating this fruit, see the notes above on known hazards.

Young leaves and stems - raw or cooked[, , , ]. Eaten as a side dish with rice[]. The young shoots as they emerge from the ground in spring are used.

Petals - raw or cooked[]. Used as a flavouring in sorbets, confections etc[].

The seed of roses is generally a good source of vitamin E, it can be ground and mixed with flour or added to other foods as a supplement[, ]. Be sure to remove the seed hairs[].

Medicinal

The plant is said to be beneficial in the treatment of bilious affections, burning of the skin and eye diseases, but the report does not say which parts of the plant are used[].
The fruits are used medicinally in India[].

The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is traditionally grown in living fences in the northwestern Himalayas, where it helps to exclude livestock and other animals; mark out land boundaries; whilst also providing a range of medicinal and other uses[].
Rose species in general grow well with alliums, parsley, mignonette and lupins[, ]. Garlic planted nearby can help protect the plant from disease and insect predation[, ]. Roses often grow badly with boxwood[].

Other Uses

An essential oil obtained from the flowers is used in perfumery[].
An extract of the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an astringent[].
An oil (probably referring to the essential oil) is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an astringent, emollient, masking agent and tonic[].
An oil obtained from the seeds is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an emollient and skin conditioner[].

Propagation

Seed. Rose seed often takes two years to germinate. This is because it may need a warm spell of weather after a cold spell in order to mature the embryo and reduce the seedcoat[]. One possible way to reduce this time is to scarify the seed and then place it for 2 - 3 weeks in damp peat at a temperature of 27 - 32°c (by which time the seed should have imbibed). It is then kept at 3°c for the next 4 months by which time it should be starting to germinate[]. Alternatively, it is possible that seed harvested 'green' (when it is fully developed but before it has dried on the plant) and sown immediately will germinate in the late winter. This method has not as yet(1988) been fully tested[]. Seed sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame sometimes germinates in spring though it may take 18 months. Stored seed can be sown as early in the year as possible and stratified for 6 weeks at 5°c[]. It may take 2 years to germinate[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Plant out in the summer if the plants are more than 25cm tall, otherwise grow on in a cold frame for the winter and plant out in late spring.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July in a shaded frame. Overwinter the plants in the frame and plant out in late spring[]. High percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth. Select pencil thick shoots in early autumn that are about 20 - 25cm long and plant them in a sheltered position outdoors or in a cold frame[, ]. The cuttings can take 12 months to establish but a high percentage of them normally succeed[].
Division of suckers in the dormant season. Plant them out direct into their permanent positions.
Layering. Takes 12 months[].