SafePlants

Corchorus: Jute and Jew's Mallow

Corchorus is a genus encompassing approximately 40 to 100 species of flowering plants. These plants are found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Considerations for Pets

• While not explicitly stated as toxic, Corchorus species are often found in gardens and sometimes indoors.
• Some species are harvested for their fibers, potentially indicating the presence of substances that could cause irritation.

Considerations for Children

• Some Corchorus species are commonly found in home gardens and could be accessible to children.
• The leaves of some species are consumed in salads and as pot-herbs, but this does not guarantee the safety of all species or plant parts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Corchorus
• Family: Malvaceae (formerly Tiliaceae is also mentioned)
• Corchorus argillicola Moeaha &amp P.J.D.Winter
• Synonyms for one species include:
  • Corchorus catharticus Blanco
  • Corchorus decemangularis Roxb. ex G.Don

Common Species

• Corchorus olitorius: Commonly known as Nalta jute, tossa jute, Jew's mallow, Egyptian Spinach, Melokhiya, Molokhia, Mulukhiyah, or Wild Okra.
• Corchorus capsularis: Commonly known as white jute.
• Corchorus tridens: Common name: Guxe
• Corchorus cunninghamii: Common name: Native Jute

Distribution and Habitat

• The Corchorus genus has a pantropical distribution.
• Corchorus olitorius is found in both Asia and Africa.

Ecological Role

• One species mentioned (Corchorus cunninghamii) is considered threatened and has a Commonwealth Conservation Advice.

Morphological Characteristics

• Corchorus olitorius can be an annual or perennial, growing up to 3.5 meters (11 ft 6 in) at a fast rate.
• Corchorus trilocularis is an erect, sparsely branched annual herb, growing up to 1 meter tall with solid, cylindrical stems and purplish young branches.

Plant Uses

• Corchorus olitorius is a primary source of jute fiber.
• Leaves of Corchorus olitorius can be eaten raw (young leaves in salads) or cooked (older leaves as a pot-herb).
• Traditionally, Corchorus olitorius has been used as an antifertility, anti-convulsive, and purgative agent.

Quirky Facts

• Corchorus olitorius is known as "Jew's mallow" or "Egyptian spinach" and is considered a "Middle Eastern super-green" due to its high vitamin and mineral content.
• Jute (derived from Corchorus fibers) was once known as the "golden fiber of [unspecified location]".

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Successful interspecific crosses have been observed among Corchorus olitorius, C. capsularis, and C. trilocularis at both diploid and tetraploid levels.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life
• AVRDC - The World Vegetable Centre, Taiwan
• SID (Seed Information Database) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK
• Malvales of North America Update, database (version 2011)
• ARKive (for photos)