Aibika is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall. Grown mainly as an annual, it reaches average heights between 1.5 and 3 meters. The plants resemble okra but show great variability in leaf shape and size, petiole and stem color, branching and flowering habit. (Preston,1998)

Lagikway grows properly in regions in which there may be a more pronounced rainfall. (Maghirang, 2018). According to pfaf.org, lagikway cannot grow in the shade however it prefers moist soil. Similarly, planting in dry regions should likewise be feasible but with more frequent irrigation and establishment of partial shade is needed. (Maghirang, 2018)


Aibika grows best in sandy loam and clay loam soils with pH between 5 and 7 however it is able to tolerate wide range of soil types. growth is poor when the soil is highly alkaline due to micronutrient deficiencies and drought. Likewise, Aibika responds to nitrogen fertilizer by producing larger leaves and better yields (Preston, 1998). To promote faster growth and plant vigour, incorporation of compost and different organic materials is essential. (Maghirang, 2018)


Aibika grows over a wide range of climates however specifically occurs from the lowlands to 1200 meter heights. However, growth is slower at high elevations. Sufficient amount of rainfall of at the least 1200mm/year is needed for good production (Gurnah, 2018). In the Philippines, there is no documented report on flowering, pod setting, and seed production of A. manihot in various regions wherein it is domestically grown (Maghirang, 2018)

The genus Abelmoschus Medikus has its origin in continental South-East Asia. Its species are distributed particularly in South Asia, East Asia, South-East Asia and northern Australia (Gurnah, 2018). However, Preston 1998 reported that most authors agree that varieties of A. manihot are discovered in India, southern and eastern China, and Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, Lagikway are generally found in Visayas and Mindanao. While in Luzon, this perennial shrub thrives in Quezon Province and a few part of Bicol region. (Maghirang, 2018).

Cuttings are grown directly into the field or in plastic bags filled with a mixture of garden soil and compost for 3 to 4 weeks at a distance of 1 meter apart. A hole of 12 to 15 cm deep must be prepared with a handful of compost before transplanting. Cuttings that have no longer sprouted in 3 weeks should be replaced. However, established cuttings from the plastic bag shall be taken out and transplanted into the prepared holes. Aibika is grown for its young leaves and stem tips which are used as a cooked green vegetable. It bl

Aibika can be propagated from seeds of some varieties but is easier to use stem cuttings. Traditionally, cuttings of 40 to 50 cm length with 3 to 4 nodes are used.

Aside from the places where it can be found, planting materials can be sourced out from Vegetable Division, Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines Los Banos, College, Laguna.

Lagikway are consumed for subsistence rather than as a source of income. (Maghirang et al 2018)

In the Philippines, lagikway leaves are made into soup to cure hangover. (personal communication)