Aibika

Abelmoschus manihot

Physical Characteristics

Abelmoschus manihot is a PERENNIAL growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - South-eastern Asia to Northern Australia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked[183 , 200 ]. Sweet and mucilaginous[183 , 300 ]. The leaves are high in vitamins A and C, and iron, and have 2% protein by dry weight. Young leaves can be used as a lettuce substitute[298 ] or a spinach substitute. Young shoots are harvested when about 15cm long[300 ]. Flower buds - raw or cooked[183 ]. There is a wide range of other leaf shapes.

Medicinal Uses

Emmenagogue Odontalgic Vulnerary The bark is said to be emmenagogue[240]. A paste of the bark is used to treat wounds and cuts, with new paste being applied every 2 - 3 days for about 3 weeks[272]. In Nepal the root juice is warmed and applied to sprains[272]. The juice of the flowers is used to treat chronic bronchitis and toothache[272].

Known Hazards

None known