Be comforted in knowing that hot chilies induce pain (perhaps intense pain), but cause no damage. It just feels like damage. It's a Jedi mind trick.
Bob
Bob
An Imposter in my Okra!
A couple of days ago, I noticed that one of my okra plants (which had all been grazed, but are now recovering) looked different. The leaf margin was entire, unlike the incised and serrated margin of the other okra plants. Plant symmetry, stalk and stem habitus were the same. While okra has a noticeably reddish leaf stem, this odd one had leaf stems that were only slightly reddish. And the odd one appeared to be growing taller than the rest of the okra.
I vaguely recalled seeing a weed like this in a cornfield in southern Iowa, as the farmer and I walked along the corn rows. I just now looked it up online. Velvetleaf. The leaves were said to have a velvety texture. AND...they aggressively suck moisture and nutrients from the surrounding crop plants. I put on gloves, walked out there, and pulled it up. Sure enough, it had a substantial taproot, and a nest of more superficial roots. I took off one glove, and felt one leaf--velvet.
Bob
What is missing is a plaque for each plant species, with a brochure holder containing a guided tour and a discussion of agronomic properties. Impressive.
Bob
EDIT: Are you growing Clemson Spineless, or some other okra?