The Herbarium
Print plate
Roselle botanical plate

Herb. No. 070 · Malvaceae

RangeFig. atlas
Approximate native range — a teaching atlas, not a survey

Roselle is West African; now a tropical calyx crop from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia.

Native · Africa

Native Also grown
LegalGentleplant

Roselle

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Medicinal herbsKitchenHarvest

The crimson sour calyx behind agua de jamaica — a cooling, tart drink for heat and blood pressure folklore.

Roselle is a tropical annual. The fleshy calyces dry to a sour, cranberry-like tea studied for modest blood-pressure effects. Landscape hibiscus flowers are not a substitute. Very tart — often cut with honey or ginger.

Flavor

Bright cranberry-sorrel sourness, floral and clean, staining the cup red.

Parts used

Fleshy calyx

Helpful

  • Delicious
  • A real kitchen plant in warm climates

Cautions

  • Can lower blood pressure
  • Very sour on an empty stomach
  • Needs a long hot season

Field assistant

Ask about traditional use, safety, or the law. The assistant will not teach illegal cultivation or give medical orders.

Related symptoms

feverpoor circulationfatigue

Teas with this plant

Remedies with this plant

  • Rosehip after frost

    Adult: 1 tbsp dried hips per 10 oz, once a day in winter. Strain well — the hairs itch a throat.

Harvest this plant

When to cut, how to dry, and how to store it — garden and kitchen crops only.

Open harvest notes