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Abelmoschus esculentus Okra (1 Page of 5) The Abelmoschus esculentus plant species is found in The original habitat is obscure. It is a member of the Malvaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Okra. Some home gardeners know the variety as Hibiscus esculentus. L. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Abelmoschus esculentus Common Name: Okra Family: Malvaceae Author: (L.)Moench. Known Hazards: The hairs on the seed pods can be an irritant to some people and gloves should be worn when harvesting. These hairs can be easily removed by washing[200]. Mature Height: 1 Mature Width: Habitat: Not known in a truly wild situation.
Cultivation Notes: Prefers a well-drained humus rich fertile soil in full sun and a pH around 6 to 6.7[200] but it tolerates a wide range of soil types and pH from 5.5 to 8[200]. Requires a warm sunny position sheltered from winds[200]. Likes plenty of moisture, both in the soil and in the atmosphere[133].
Commonly cultivated in warm temperate and tropical areas for its edible seedpod, there are many named varieties[183, 200]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it sometimes succeeds outdoors in hot summers but is really best grown in a greenhouse. Plants dislike low night temperatures[133]. There are some early-maturing varieties that are more tolerant of cooler temperate conditions and these could be tried outdoors[200]. These include 'Clemson's Spineless', 'Emerald Spineless', 'Long Green' and 'Green Velvet'[200].
The flowers are much visited by bees but they may require syringing in order to improve fertilization when plants are grown in a greenhouse.
Plants resent being transplanted[133].
For further Abelmoschus esculentus gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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