Jew's Mallow, Nalta jute

Corchorus olitorius

Physical Characteristics

Corchorus olitorius is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Probably originating in Africa, though possibly in India and Myanmar, the plant is widely grown through much of the tropics.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Tea Leaves - raw or cooked[1, 27, 46, 61]. Young leaves are added to salads whilst older leaves are cooked as a pot-herb[2, 183, 269]. The young leaves and stem tops are eaten cooked and are slimy unless fried. The leaves quickly become mucilaginous when cooked[298]. High in protein[183]. The dried leaves can be used as a thickener in soups[183]. Leaves and young shoots are normally harvested when about 20 - 30cm long[300]. Leaves can be sun dried, pounded to flour, then stored for a significant time.

Medicinal Uses

Demulcent Diuretic Febrifuge Tonic The leaves are demulcent, diuretic, febrifuge and tonic[ 240 ]. They are used in the treatment of chronic cystitis, gonorrhoea and dysuria[ 240 ]. A cold infusion is said to restore the appetite and strength[ 269 ]. The seeds are purgative[ 240 ]. Injections of olitoriside, an extract from the plant, markedly improve cardiac insufficiencies and have no cumulative attributes; hence, it can serve as a substitute for strophanthin[ 269 ].

Known Hazards

None known