(ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS)
IT IS CULTIVATED FOR THE PODS WHICH ARE HARVESTED IN THE IMMATURE STAGE AND USED IN SALADS AND SOUPS. 
IT IS A PRIME INGREDIENT OF THE 'GUMBOS' OR STEWS OF LOUISIANA USA.
THE PLANT IS WIDELY CULTIVATED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IN THE TROPICS AND CAN BE GROWN DURING THE SUMMER IN SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND.