Okra is a member of the hibiscus family and not found in most parts of the country. A vegetable long prized in Africa called ngombo in Angola and nkruma in Ghana, was originally called gombo - now taken to mean okra-thickened soup. In Louisiana, fresh,tender okra with great earthy flavor is served fried, boiled, braised, in soups, stews, and many other Cajun and Creole dishes.