| Description |
Roselle is a Hibiscus species native to subtropical and tropical regions. It is a subshrub with a woody base and is grown predominately for fibre production and secondarily as a food, flavoring source, and ornamental. The plant has red stems and branches with deeply lobed green leaves and white to pale yellow flowers 8-10cm in diameter. The bright red, fleshy calyx at the base of each flower grows to 3-3.5cm as the fruit matures. Plants are daylight-sensitive and only flower when day length drops to 11 hours or less. The stem is used to make baste fibre, which can be substituted for jute when making burlap. The red calayx is used as food coloring and to make beverages. Roselle is used in folk medicine as a mild laxative and diuretic. Buds are made into jam, and green leaves are cooked like a spicy version of spinach. Roselle's ideal temperature range is 12.5 to 27.5°C, but it can be grown as an annual or in containers in colder regions.
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