The seeds have a sweet, flowery, heavy fragrance similar to that of musk.
Despite its tropical origin the plant is frost hardy.
Musk mallow seed oil was once frequently used as a substitute for animal musk; however this use is now mostly replaced by various synthetic musks due to costs.
It has many culinary uses.
The seeds are added to coffee; unripe pods , leaves and new shoots are eaten as vegetables.
Different parts of the plant have uses in traditional and complementary medicine, not all of which have been scientifically proven.
It is used externally to relieve spasms of the digestive tract, cramp, poor circulation and aching joints.
It is also considered an insecticide and an aphrodisiac.