Abelmoschus esculentus is a tall, annual, dicotyleden related to cotton and thought to be of African origin. It was probably brought over to North America three centuries ago by African slaves. It still grows wild in Ethiopia and Sudan, but the majority of it is grown in the southeastern U.S. Some African types are grown as perennials.
Okra is cultivated in tropical and warm temperate climates having temperatures betwen 18 and 35 degrees Celcius. It is extremely sensitive to cold and will only grow if the ground is warm, well-drained, and fertile.
The okra plant usually grows to a height of 3 to 6 feet (0.9-1,8 m) but some ingenous African types grow to 12 feet (3.6m). It has large 3- to 5-lobed leaves attached to a thick woody stem, and produces big, beautiful yellow flowers. Okra produces elongate, conical green pods which are hand-picked during a short 4 to 10 day harvest. Since okra pods grow quickly, it is advantageous to have multiple harvests in order to obtain the maximum quantity of pods.The edible pods contain a sticky, mucilaginous juice and are often used in soups (gumbo), stews, and casseroles. In some countries, the leaves are substituted for coffee and in some countries of the East, the leaves and fruit are used to relieve pain.
Contributed by Jennifer Alexander
Photo source: USDA On Line Photography Center Photo Research