Okra: (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a surprisingly (for anyone who has not grown it) ornamental vegetable. Like other relatives, it has a typical showy hibiscus type flower — light yellow with a dark burgundy center. The purple leafed varieties are especially attractive as focal points or as a backdrop in flower borders. Okra is an annual and is grown from seed sown after the soil has thoroughly warmed in spring.