Seeds of the okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Common name: Okra Scientific name: Abelmoschus esculentus Also known as: Bamia - Qanawiya Okra is a plant species belonging to the genus Abelmoschus of the Malvaceae family, and its green fruits are edible. It is an annual or biennial type. The plant reaches a height of up to 2 meters. The leaves are broad, measuring between 10 to 20 cm in length. They are palmate with 5 to 7 lobes. • Okra flower: The flowers have a circumference ranging from 4 to 8 cm, each consisting of 5 petals that range in color from white to yellow with purple spots at the base of each petal. • Okra fruit and seeds: Its fruits are edible cooked, long green pods covered with soft fuzz, reaching up to 20 cm in length. • Okra planting season: Seeds are planted in January and February in warm regions. • Suitable climate and soil for growing okra: Okra needs at least eight hours of sunlight daily. It is preferred to have loose, fertile, slightly alkaline soil. If the soil is acidic, some lime should be added a few months before planting, along with appropriate fertilizer. It is sensitive to frost and drought, and should be watered regularly. • How to cultivate okra: It propagates through seeds planted at a depth of 1 cm from the soil surface. Organic fertilizer can be added at least once to accelerate growth and development. It can also be propagated by seedlings. • Its benefits and uses: It is used for food and has multiple health benefits. A type of fiber is extracted from its stems and mature fruits, which is used in textile and paper manufacturing. • Native habitat of okra: Okra originated in tropical Africa and has been cultivated in the Middle East and India for a long time. In the 19th century, wild okra plants were observed along the White Nile in Sudan. Its cultivation is widespread in Saudi Arabia and most Arab countries.