Mallow family plant (4)
I believe the answer is:
okra
'mallow family plant' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for okra that I've seen before include "Pod eaten in soups, stews etc" , "old ladies' fingers" , "Edible seed pods" , "Green pods, in stews" , "Ladies' fingers with edible pods" .)