Roselle
Family Malvaceae
Hibiscus sabdariffa, roselle (H. sabdariffa 1), is an erect branched annual, 1-3 m tall, with red or green stems and alternate simple leaves, variably lobed; and axillary borne single pentamerous flowers, 3-5 cm long, red, whitish or green, with numerous stamens united into a staminal column. The fruit is an ovoid capsule, 2-3 cm long.
Distribution
Roselle is a native of West Africa and is now distributed throughout the tropics.
Use
Two varieties are distinguished:
1. Hibiscus sabdariffa var. sabdariffa, which is grown for the flowers. The red calyces are boiled with sugar to produce sorrel drink. The flowers are also used for jams and chutneys. Young leaves are eaten as salad.
2. Hibiscus sabdariffa var. altissima (H. sabdariffa altissima 2)(H. sabdariffa altissima 3) is grown in India and Indonesia for fibre, which resembles kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus). (H. cannabinus 1).