Hairy okra
Abelmoschus crinitus

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

There are about 15 Abelmoschus species. They are tropical and subtropical.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in lowland areas subject to seasonal dry periods. In China it grows on grass slopes between 300-1300 m altitude in S China. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The tuberous roots are eaten. They are roasted. The young fruit are eaten raw and also cooked as a vegetable.

Cultivated. They are enjoyed by children.

Edible parts

Roots, tubers, fruit, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Banbhindi, Bhedi-kandda, Bup toc, Chao mao huang kui, Gasam sanga, Gorkrakanda, Jangli bhindi, Pahadi-bendi, Taw-wah

Synonyms

Abelmoschus cancellatus Wall. ex Voigt; Abelmoschus fusiformis Wall.; Abelmoschus hainanensis Hu; Abelmoschus racemosus Wall.; Bamia cancellatus Wall.; ? Hibiscus bodinieri H. Lev.; Hibiscus cancellatus Roxb. ex G. Don [Illegitimate]; Hibiscus cavaleriei H. Lev.; Hibiscus crinitus (Wallich) G.Don; Hibiscus fusiformus Steud.;