Hibiscus sabdariffa Roselle (Malvaceae)

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Hibiscus sabdariffa
Roselle
(1 Page of 5)

The Hibiscus sabdariffa plant species is found in Tropics. It is a member of the Malvaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Roselle.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Hibiscus sabdariffa
Common Name:  Roselle
Family:  Malvaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  3   Mature Width:  2

Habitat:  Disturbed ground[238].

Edible Uses: The fresh calyx (the outer whorl of the flower) is used in salads, jellies, soups, sauces, pickles, puddings etc[74, 171, 183]. The calyx is rich in acid and pectin and so is useful for making jellies[240]. It is also used to add colour and flavour to herb teas[238], and can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute[183]. A refreshing beverage can be made by boiling the calyx, sweetening it with sugar and adding ginger[183]. Leaves - raw or cooked[177]. Used in salads and curries, they have an acid, rhubarb-like taste[183, 238]. Seed - roasted and ground into a powder then used in oily soups and sauces[177, 183]. Root - it is edible but very fibrousy[144]. Mucilaginous, without very much flavour[144]. The seed yields 20% oil[74]. (This is probably edible[K]).

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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