Herbs Guide

Bamieh

Family Name: Malvaceae

Botanical Name(s): Abelmoschus esculentus, Hibiscus esculentus

Popular Name(s): Okra, Quingumbo, Ladies Fingers, Gombo, Kacang Bendi, Bhindi, Bendi, Bamia, Gumbo, Quiabo, Quiabos

Parts Used: Pods

Habitat: Bamieh originated in Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and from there it spread to India, Africa, North America and South America and to other parts of the world.

Description: Bamieh is an annual tropical herb, cultivated for its edible green seed pod (there is a red pod variety too) which grows to a height of 6 ft. The plant bears heart shaped leaves and large, hibiscus-like, yellow coloured flowers. Its seed pods are 3 to 10 inches long. The seed pods are used as a vegetable and possess a unique texture and sweet flavour.

Uses: Bamieh is used in large scale as vegetables. It is a good source of vitamin C, A and B complex, iron and calcium. It stabilizes blood sugar level, treats lung inflammation, sore throat, irritable bowel and a number of other diseases.