Plant of the day
Abelmoschus esculentus
OkraHerb
Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus, known in some English-speaking countries as lady's fingers, is a flowering plant in the mallow family native to East Africa. Cultivated in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions around the world for its edible green seed pods, okra is used in the cuisines of many countries.
FamilyMalvaceae
GenusAbelmoschus
NativeAfrica
LifespanAnnual
History & Culture
History, cultural references, and traditional context for Abelmoschus esculentus.
Historical Background
Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus, known in some English-speaking countries as lady's fingers, is a flowering plant in the mallow family native to East Africa. Cultivated in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions around the world for its edible green seed pods, okra is used in the cuisines of many countries.
Cultural Significance
Timeline: Journey Through Time
Okra has cultural context that is still being expanded.