If you think these okra blossoms look like Hibiscus, you're right. Okra is Hibiscus esculentus in the Malvaceae, or Mallow family, which includes Cotton, Hollyhock, Hibiscus, and many other flowers. Native to Africa, Okra can do quite well in our hotter Ozarks summers. For culinary use, pods should be picked when 3-4 inches long. Let the good times roll!