C6 



WEEDS AND USEFUL PLANTS. 



5. ABELMOS'CHUS, Med. Okra. 



[Name said to be derivod from the Arabic, Hub-ool-mooshJc.} 



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, 

 pyi-amidal. 



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, lohed about half way to the base ; pdioM 

 about as long as the leaves. Petals i^ale 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. 



Ohs. This plant is cultivated for its green pods or capsules — which 



Fig. 47. Velvet-leaf or Indian-mallow (Abutilon Avicennae), a branch reduced in sizp 

 with fruit. 



