<P> Okra may have been introduced to southeastern North America from Africa in the early 18th century . By 1748, it was being grown as far north as Philadelphia . Thomas Jefferson noted it was well established in Virginia by 1781 . It was commonplace throughout the Southern United States by 1800, and the first mention of different cultivars was in 1806 . </P> <P> The species is a perennial, often cultivated as an annual in temperate climates, and often grows to around 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall . It is related to such species as cotton, cocoa, and hibiscus . The leaves are 10--20 centimetres (3.9--7.9 in) long and broad, palmately lobed with 5--7 lobes . The flowers are 4--8 centimetres (1.6--3.1 in) in diameter, with five white to yellow petals, often with a red or purple spot at the base of each petal . The fruit is a capsule up to 18 centimetres (7.1 in) long with pentagonal cross-section, containing numerous seeds . </P> <P> Abelmoschus esculentus is cultivated throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world for its fibrous fruits or pods containing round, white seeds . It is among the most heat - and drought - tolerant vegetable species in the world and will tolerate soils with heavy clay and intermittent moisture, but frost can damage the pods . </P> <P> In cultivation, the seeds are soaked overnight prior to planting to a depth of 1--2 centimetres (0.39--0.79 in). Germination occurs between six days (soaked seeds) and three weeks . Seedlings require ample water . The seed pods rapidly become fibrous and woody and, to be edible as a vegetable, must be harvested when immature, usually within a week after pollination . Okra is available in two varieties, green and red . Red okra carries the same flavor as the more popular green okra and differs only in color . When cooked, the red okra pods turn green . </P>

What is the botanical name of lady finger