Abelmoschus esculentus

Scientific name: Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench

Family: Malvaceae

Synonym: Hibiscus esculentus L., Hibiscus longifolius Willd.

Bengali/Vernacular name: Dherosh (Bengali), Bhendi (Chittagong).

Tribal name: Posukci (Chakma), Kelki-Kelky (Lushai), Lai long ma (Murang), Gang-khya-yeon (Rakhaing).

English name: Lady’s finger, Okra, Gumbo.

Description of the plant: An annual, erect herb, covered with stiff hairs. Leaves deeply lobed, with toothed margins, hairy on both surfaces especially on the nerves. Each leaf is borne on a petiole (leaf stalk) up to 40 cm long. Flowers showy, large, axillary, usually yellow with a dark red center. Capsule, 10–20 cm long, roughly circular in cross-section with a pointed end, usually 5-ribbed, borne at the leaf axils.

Plant parts used: Fruit.

Medicinal uses: Small pieces of fruits are boiled then inhale the steam to treat cough.

Decoction of fruits is taken to treat diabetes and dysentery.

Distribution: Cultivated all over the country as vegetable.