Okra

Orka tree and Orka

Okra (dhedhos) a shrub, Abelmoschus esculentus, of the family Malvaceae, bearing beaked, mucilaginous pods; used in soups, stews, etc. Orka grows in almost all parts of the country during summer-rainy season covering an area of about 5,399 ha with a production of about 17,325 m tons.

The vegetable, possibly a native to South Africa or Asia and has been predominantly a vegetable of the tropics, is nutritionally rich in vitamin A, B, C and iron. Fruits are green, 14-18 cm long with five ridges and elongated tips. Yield is about 16 m tons/ha. [SM Monowar Hossain]