Can you name this vegetable? This is one of our favorites and it grows well in our back yard. It likes the hot, sunny weather in Greensboro. Above, you see the hibiscus-like flower as well as the pods that are beginning to form. Have you guessed what vegetable this is yet?

Well……it is okra, a flowering plant in the mallow family. Okra is related to cotton and cocoa. It is a popular health food that is high in fiber, vitamin C and oxidants. This year, we planted the reddish/purple variety, instead of the green pods. We were shocked that, when you steam it, the reddish/purple pods turn green. The whole plant is beautiful. The broad leaves are large and attractive. It is nice to plants that are both attractive and edible! Happy Monday, folks. Thank you for reading and let us know how your garden is growing. Let us know if you have suggestions for our edible landscaping adventure.