Abelmoschus esculentus ( Bandakka )

Scientific name:	Abelmoschus esculentus*
Family name:	MALVACEAE
English name:	Lady´s fingers
Local name:	Bandakka
Description:	Herb, annual stout, erect 0.5-2 m tall; stems often fistular, hirsute with long simple hairs intermixed with shorter cripsed hairs. Leaves 5-25 x 5-30 cm diameter, palmately 5-7-lobed or –divided , margin serrate or crenate; petiole 5-35 cm long; stipules 5-10 mm long. Flowers solitary; pedicel 0.5-1.5 cm long; corolla yellow or white with dark purple centre. Fruit 10-25 x 1.5-3 cm, 5-9 celled, sparsely hairy. Seeds3-6 mm diameter.
Status:	Only under cultivation
Edible parts:	Fruit
Ayurvedic usage: Treatment for- Coughs Catarrh Gonorrhoea Dysurea Oral ulcers PARTS   USED  IN  TREATMENT: Seeds Fruits RELATED   MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Appetizer Nourishes body tissues Diuretic Pacifies vitiated Pitta dosha source by .instituteofayurveda.org