66 



WEEDS AXD USEFUL PLANTS. 



5. ABELMOS'CHUS, Med. OKRA. 



[Name said to be derived from the Arabic, Hub-ool-moosKk.] 



Calyx splitting down one side when the flower opens, deciduous. Pod 



elongated. Otherwise as in Hibiscus. 



1. A. ESCULEN'TUS, L. Herbaceous ; leaves somewhat obtusely and pal- 



mately 5-lobed, cordate at base, the lobes dentate; fruit 10-angled, 



pyramidal. 



ESCULENT ABELMOSCHUS. Okra. 



Root annual. Stem 18 inches to 3 feet high, somewhat branched, pilose but not aculeate. 

 Leaves 3-6 inches long, and wider than long, lobed about half way to the base ; petioles 

 about as long as the leaves. Petals pale greenish yellow, with a dark purple spot at base. 

 Capsule 2-3 inches long, erect. 



Gardens : cultivated. Native of India. Fl. August. Fr. September -October. 



06s. This plant is cultivated for its green pods or capsules which 



FIG. 47. Velvet-leaf or Indian-mallow (Abutilon Avicenr.ne), a branch reduced iu size 

 with fruit. 



