Indian-sorrel
StarHibiscus sabdariffa
Synonyms: Hibiscus sanguineus, Hibiscus acetosus, Sabdariffa rubra, Furcaria sabdariffa, Hibiscus palmatilobus, Hibiscus cruentus, Hibiscus digitatus, Hibiscus masuianus, Sabdariffa digitata, Abelmoschus cruentus, Hibiscus digitatus var. kerrianus, Hibiscus subdariffa, Hibiscus gossypifolius, Hibiscus fraternus, Hibiscus cuneatus
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Roselle calyces are brewed into a tart, deep-red cooling beverage across many cultures, known as karkade in Egypt and Sudan, bissap in West Africa, and agua de Jamaica in Mexico, and are widely used in folk medicine for high blood pressure, as a mild diuretic, and to aid digestion (Morton, 1987; Da-Costa-Rocha et al., 2014). The young leaves and shoots are also eaten as a vegetable and the sour leaves used in sauces and folk remedies across tropical Africa, Latin America, and South Asia.
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Botanical Description
Hibiscus sabdariffa, known as roselle, is an annual or perennial herbaceous shrub in the family Malvaceae, growing up to about 2–2.5 m tall. The erect stems are often reddish and bear alternate leaves that are deeply three- to five-lobed on the upper part of the plant and simple and ovate near the base. The showy flowers have pale yellow to buff petals with a dark red centre, borne singly in the leaf axils. After flowering, the calyx and bracts (the epicalyx) enlarge and become fleshy, bright red, and succulent, surrounding the seed capsule; these red calyces are the most economically important part. Native to tropical Africa, roselle is now cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics, including West Africa, the Caribbean, Mexico, India, and Southeast Asia. It thrives in warm climates with well-drained soils and is grown for its calyces, edible leaves, and fibre.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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