BHINDI

Origin and distribution

The genus Abelmoschus has its origin in South-East Asia. Even though the cultivated species Abelmoschus esculentus has been reported from the whole of tropical Africa, its origin is still uncertain. Egyptians were cultivating bhindi as early as 12th Century BC. From there, it spread throughout Africa, the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and India. Now, its cultivation is widespread in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions, but is particularly popular in West Africa, India, the Philippines, Thailand and Brazil.

Last updated: 04-06-2008