Abelmoschus esculentus Okra (Malvaceae)

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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.

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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.

Medicinal Information: The roots are very rich in mucilage, having a strongly demulcent action[4, 21]. They are said by some to be better than marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis)[4]. This mucilage can be used as a plasma replacement[240]. An infusion of the roots is used in the treatment of syphilis[240]. The leaves furnish an emollient poultice[4, 21, 240]. A decoction of the immature capsules is demulcent, diuretic and emollient[240]. It is used in the treatment of catarrhal infections, ardor urinae, dysuria and gonorrhea[240]. The seeds are antispasmodic, cordial and stimulant[240]. An infusion of the roasted seeds has sudorific properties[240].

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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'.
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