Marvellous Mallows - Abelmoschus Manihot
(This series is being compiled by Colleen Keena from Queensland, Australia, Kristin Yanker-Hansen from California, USA, and Marcos Capelini from São Paulo, Brazil.)
ABELMOSCHUS MANIHOT (formerly Hibiscus manihot) Aibika, Sunset Hibiscus
The Malvaceae family has a number of food plants. One of these is Abelmoschus esculentus, or okra. It is best known for its mucilaginous seedpods which are fried or used to thicken soups and stews. However, this is a true multipurpose plant with edible leaves, flowers, seedpods and mature seeds. It is an annual and is very heat tolerant and relatively free from pests. By carefully picking lower leaves it is possible to get a good crop of leaves and of seedpods from the same plants. The seeds are toasted, ground and used as a substitute for coffee.
There is another multipurpose Abelmoschus, although it is generally not as well known as okra. This plant, Abelmoschus manihot, is grown for its leaves and for its large flowers. Even the roots can be used:
As Abelmoschus manihot occurs in tropical Asia and in northern Queensland, it grows best in tropical and subtropical regions since it is frost tender. However, although it is a perennial, it can be grown as an annual in temperate areas, flowering well in the first year and setting seed.
Abelmoschus manihot has a single central stem to 2m and short sparse branches. It grows very quickly. Cuttings taken in spring can reach over 2 metres by autumn in sub-tropical areas. It is a hardy plant, which prefers a sunny aspect with rich, moist, well- drained soil.
The plants may naturalize. Plants grow well in an ornamental vegetable garden, and this may not only add to the appearance of the garden but may also make it easier to ensure that the plant does not naturalize.
The plant is suitable for pot culture.
The large, up to 15 cm (6 inches) hibiscus-like flowers are a brilliant lemon with deep purple centres borne n long pedicels at the apex of the plant. Flowers are produced in the warmer months. The flowers are pollinated by insects. Petals can be added to salads or cooked.
While the large yellow flowers are very ornamental, the importance of this plant is that it is one of the world's most nutritious leafy vegetables because of its high protein content. The leaves are tender and sweet and can be served raw or steamed (leaffor life).
There are 16 references to the use of Abelmoschus manihot as a vegetable in the Agricola database 1970-1996:
It can produce up to 60 tons of leaves per hectare using a multiple harvest system.
There can be big differences in leaf shape, colour and production and flavour but leaves are usually palmate, about 10 cm (4 inches) across. In Papua New Guinea, plants are propagated from stem cuttings with harvesting commencing 2 - 3 months after planting and continuing for 1-2 years, and the young leaves are picked and are cooked in coconut cream or water. They are also fried. Leaves may be added to soups. Blanched leaves can be added to salads. The leaves make a tasty addition to an omelette.
Seeds germinate more quickly if nicked or abraded by rubbing with an emery board. Soaking the seed overnight may assist germination:
Seed can be sown at the beginning of spring, in a warm greenhouse if necessary. The seed should germinate within two weeks. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be pricked out into individual pots and planted out after the last expected frosts. If growing from seed, there may have been an emphasis on developing superior flowers and the leaves and young shoots may not make a delicious vegetable. If a plant is grown and the leaves are not tasty, the large lemon flowers can still be used to decorate salads.
Plants will tolerate occasional short-lived lows down to about -5°c so long as they are in a very well-drained soil. They can be grown in Zones 7A to 10A in the United States.
Elliot, W.R. and Jones, D.I. (1980-1988) Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants Suitable for Cultivation, Volume 2, Lothian, Melbourne.
Hale, P. Williams, B. (1977) Liklik Buk. The Melanesian Council of Churches, Wirui Press, Papua New Guinea.
Plants for a Future Website:
Williams, K. 1979: Native Plants of Queensland, Vol. 1, Cranbrook Press, Qld IMAGE
PHYTOCHEMICALS OF ABELMOSCHUS MANIHOT
AGIS Home Page Phytochemicals of Abelmoschus manihot Chemical Part Amount (ppm) Low (ppm) High (ppm)
ASH Leaf 16,100 138,793
CALCIUM Leaf 724 6,241
COPPER Leaf 2.5 21.5
FAT Leaf 17,700 152,586
GLYCOLIPIDS Plant 5,504
IRON Leaf 33 284
MAGNESIUM Leaf 564, 4,862
PROTEIN LEAF 22,000 190,000
WATER Leaf Amount ppm 884,000
ZINC Leaf 12.5 108
FROZEN LEAVES - FIJI
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B & T WORLD SEEDS
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