Family Name: Malvaceae
Botanical Name(s): Abelmoschus esculentus, Hibiscus esculentus
Popular Name(s): Okra, Quingumbo, Ladies Fingers, Gombo, Kacang
Bendi, Bhindi, Bendi, Bamia, Gumbo, Quiabo, Quiabos
Parts Used: Pods
Habitat: Bamieh originated in Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and from
there it spread to India, Africa, North America and South America and to
other parts of the world.
Description: Bamieh is an annual tropical herb, cultivated for
its edible green seed pod (there is a red pod variety too) which grows
to a height of 6 ft. The plant bears heart shaped leaves and large,
hibiscus-like, yellow coloured flowers. Its seed pods are 3 to 10 inches
long. The seed pods are used as a vegetable and possess a unique texture
and sweet flavour.
Uses: Bamieh is used in large scale as vegetables. It is a good
source of vitamin C, A and B complex, iron and calcium. It stabilizes
blood sugar level, treats lung inflammation, sore throat, irritable
bowel and a number of other diseases.
