The African mallow shrub (Hibiscus cannabinus) is an incredibly useful plant that has been cultivated for centuries for its strong fibers, nutritious leaves, and oil-rich seeds. While this versatile shrub can be harvested year-round, there are optimal times and techniques for obtaining the highest yields of top-quality fibers, leaves, and seeds In this article, we will explore when and how to harvest each part of the African mallow shrub.
Native to tropical Africa, the African mallow shrub is a fast-growing, woody perennial that can reach up to 12 feet tall. It has large, lobed leaves and produces hibiscus-like flowers ranging in color from yellow to pink. The plant thrives in hot, humid climates and can grow in poor, sandy soils.
The African mallow shrub is commonly grown for its strong, durable bast fibers which are located in the phloem tissue underneath the outer bark. These fibers have been used for centuries to make rope, twine, sacking, and coarse fabrics. The leaves are also edible and provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the seeds contain up to 20% oil that can be extracted and used for making soap or fuel.
Now that we understand the basics of this incredible plant, let’s look at optimal harvesting times and techniques.
Harvesting the Fibers
The flexible bast fibers are the main economic product derived from the African mallow shrub. The optimal time to harvest these fibers is when the plants reach full maturity, typically 6-8 months after sowing.
Indicators It’s Time to Harvest Fibers
- Plants are at least 5-6 feet tall
- Stems are woody and bark is easily peeled
- Flowers have bloomed and started fading
Technique for Fiber Harvesting
- Use a sharp, curved knife to cut stems close to the ground
- Leave 6-12 inches of stem to allow for regrowth
- Bundle harvested stems and immerse in water 3-5 days to loosen fibers
- Pound stems with a mallet or place in a fiber extraction machine
- Pull bark away and scrape off the bast fibers
- Hang fibers to dry before further processing
Harvesting the fibers when the plants are fully mature results in the highest fiber yields and quality. Proper drying and processing is also key for smooth, strong fibers.
Harvesting the Leaves
The African mallow shrub produces nutrient-rich green leaves that can be eaten cooked or raw. For optimal flavor and tenderness, the leaves should be harvested before the plant flowers.
Indicators It’s Time to Harvest Leaves
- Leaves are young, bright green and tender
- No signs of flowers or flower buds forming
Technique for Leaf Harvesting
- Use shears or pruners to snip off leaves and small shoots
- Handle leaves gently to avoid bruising
- Do not strip leaves completely or damage main stem
- Wash and dry leaves before using fresh or preserving
Harvesting the leaves while they are still young and tender results in a better taste and texture. Careful handling preserves freshness.
Harvesting the Seeds
The African mallow shrub produces seed pods containing up to 20% oil that can be extracted. Seed pods should be harvested when fully mature and dry to extract the highest quality oil.
Indicators It’s Time to Harvest Seeds
- Seed pods turn brown and dry out
- Pods begin splitting open when lightly squeezed
- Seeds rattle inside the pods when shaken
Technique for Seed Harvesting
- Monitor seed pods daily as they mature quickly
- Collect pods by hand once the first ones begin splitting open
- Spread pods out to dry further and finish splitting
- Remove seeds and discard pods
- Further dry seeds for 1-2 weeks before storing
With quick hands and meticulous timing, you can harvest ripe seed pods before seed loss. Proper post-harvest drying and storage prevents mold and maintains seed viability.
Learning the optimal times and techniques for harvesting the different parts of the African mallow shrub takes time and practice. Pay close attention to visual indicators that each part is ready for harvest. Use the proper tools and handle the plant gently to maximize yields and quality. With season after season of experience, you will become skilled at harvesting this incredible plant.
The African mallow shrub is a versatile plant that can provide fibers, edible leaves, and oil-rich seeds when harvested with care. Mastering harvesting best practices will allow you to reap the incredible benefits this plant has to offer.
Eczema /Wash for Baby’s skin /Protective Layer
“What makes it such a useful skin healing plant is mainly the mucilage polysaccharides which when applied to the skin, produce a superficial healing layer that protects and nourishes the skin while enabling any wounds or inflammations to gently subside. This beautiful plant offers protection and nurturing for a baby’s delicate skin on so many levels. Biochemically through the healing mucilage and associated ingredients. Spiritually through the plants hearty softening essence. Symbolically as a gentle layer of protection between baby and the stimuli of the outside world.”
Dine Name: Azee’ bílátah łigaii
The flowers and leaves should steep in lukewarm water for many hours, as a semi cold infusion. NEVER BOIL!
- All parts of plant edible
- thickener for soups and stews
- Overall helps mucus membranes, lungs, bowels, kidneys, and skin.
- Cools Overheated respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and urinary systems.
- Has a mucopolysaccharides, the same gel-forming starches that are found in human mucus and interstitial gel of our bodies.
- Its mucus serves as a protective layer for the skin. Good for eczema and new born baby skin.
- reduces inflammation and inflamed tissue
- reduces swelling
- dry mouth
- promotes white blood cells
- Reorganizes damaged cells for healing
- bronchial mucosal inflammation
- respiratory congestion and dry coughs
- asthma, emphysema, bronchitis & tonsillitis
- urinary tract irritability
- acid indigestion & heartburn: 1-2 cups of tea/day
- acute mucus membrane problems: juice of fresh plant -2-3 tablespoons of juice 5 times a day.
- Gargle: can gargle the tea multiple times for dry throat, gum inflammation & toothache
- soothes sore throats
- indigestion, bowels and stomach problems
- tea used during childbirth & after for breast feeding.
- infant skin wash
- dermatological use: poultice and infusions for stings, inflammation, puss filled infections, wounds, acne, rashes, boils, dandruff, abysses (Cherokee, Iroquois, Mahuna, Navaho, and Ramah peoples).
- Pain Management: Relieves the pain from these skin conditions.
- Softens skin & hair!
- Expectorant: adds water content to mucus to thin it out, so it’s easier to cough up and spit out.
- laxative, good for constipation
- kidney: used w other herbs to cool hot urination, inflamed kidneys and and to ease the passing of kidney stones. *Leaf shapes like a kidney.
- Enriches breast milk for nursing mothers
- safe food/medicine even for infants.
- Dandruff: wash scalp w tea made from root
- tea can be made in milk instead of water for cough.
- Liver: Promotes normal functioning liver in people w hepatitis, cirrhosis and cancer
- Has anti-Cancer potential
- Poultice for broken bones.
- Reduces hair loss, dandruff, softens/conditions and give bounce back to hair
Mallow Plant Nutrition, Foraging for Wild Edible Malva Leaves
FAQ
Can you take cuttings from mallow?
When and how to prune mallow?
Do mallow plants come back every year?