Description

• Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as roselle, Jamaican sorrel, or flor de Jamaica, is an annual or short-lived perennial shrub in the mallow family (Malvaceae). It has upright, branching stems that are often reddish, and alternate leaves that vary from oval and shallowly lobed to deeply divided. Its pale yellow flowers have a dark red or maroon centre. After flowering, the fleshy red calyces surrounding the seed capsules enlarge and become prominent. These tart calyces are widely used to prepare herbal beverages, jams, jellies, and sauces.

Range

• Hibiscus sabdariffa is generally considered to have originated in tropical Africa and is now cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is cultivated in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• It grows in warm, sunny environments, especially cultivated fields, home gardens, and disturbed ground. Roselle thrives in fertile, well-drained soils with regular moisture during active growth and tolerates seasonal heat. It is commonly grown as a crop in tropical regions, although it can persist around gardens and agricultural areas where seeds are dispersed.