Chapter BENARES to BENDY of B by The Hobson Jobson Dictionary

xi. 57]), whence the modern Greek mpamia. In Italy the vegetable is called corni de’ Greci. The Latin name Abelmoschus is from the Ar. habb-ul-mushk, ‘grain of musk’ (Dozy).

1810.—“The bendy, called in the West Indies okree, is a pretty plant resembling a hollyhock; the fruit is about the length and thickness of one’s finger…when boiled it is soft and mucilaginous.”—Maria Graham, 24.

1813.—“The banda (Hibiscus esculentus) is a nutritious oriental vegetable.”—Forbes, Or. Mem. i. 32; [2nd ed. i. 22].

1880.—“I recollect the West Indian Ookroo …being some years ago recommended for introduction in India. The seed was largely advertised, and sold at about 8s. the ounce to eager horticulturists, who…found that it came up nothing other than the familiar bendy, the seed of which sells at Bombay for 1d. the ounce. Yet…ookroo seed continued to be advertised and sold at 8s. the ounce.…”—Note by Sir G. Birdwood.