Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Abelmoschus manihot, Hibiscus Spinach

Abelmoschus manihot
 Hibiscus Spinach
This high protein leafy vegetable can grow up to 2 metres by the end of summer and is very decorative with its large yellow Hibiscus flowers. Its plant cousin is Okra and has similar properties when added to soup turning as it does slightly gelatinous and adding an interesting texture and contrast alongside crunchy vegetables such as Water Chestnuts (Eleocharis dulcis) Young leaves are good for use in salads. The large seed pods produced in autumn contain glass like slivers not unlike the Norfolk Island Hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonii) so gloves need to be worn if saving seed.

Or seed can usually be obtained from the following sources:

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