Roselle (plant) 1706501 224015129 2008-07-06T23:04:48Z Kenraiz 7225889 interwiki {{Mergefrom|Roselle in Malaysia|Talk:Roselle (plant)#Merger proposal||date=August 2007}} {{Taxobox | name = Roselle | image = Hibiscus_sabdariffa_plant.jpg | image_width = 240px | image_caption = Roselle plant | regnum = [[Plant]]ae | divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]] | classis = [[Magnoliopsida]] | ordo = [[Malvales]] | familia = [[Malvaceae]] | genus = ''[[Hibiscus]]'' | species = '''''H. sabdariffa''''' | binomial = ''Hibiscus sabdariffa'' | binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]] }} ''' The '''Roselle''' (''Hibiscus sabdariffa'') is a species of [[hibiscus]] native to the [[Old World]] tropics. It is an annual or perennial [[herb]] or woody-based [[subshrub]], growing to 2–2.5 m tall. The [[leaf|leaves]] are deeply three- to five-lobed, 8–15 cm long, arranged alternately on the stems. [[Image:Terengganu.jpg|left|thumb|A roselle variety planted in Malaysia. Roselle fruits are harvested fresh, and their calyces are made into a drink rich in vitamin C and [[anthocyanins]].]] [[Image:Hibiscus sabdariffa dried.jpg|left|thumb|Dried roselle calyces]] [[Image:Mbo.jpg|right|thumb|A refreshing roselle drink]] The [[flower]]s are 8–10 cm in diameter, white to pale yellow with a dark red spot at the base of each petal, and have a stout fleshy [[calyx (flower)|calyx]] at the base, 1.5–2 cm wide, enlarging to 3–3.5 cm, fleshy and bright red as the [[fruit]] matures. It is an annual plant, and takes about six months to mature. ==Names== The roselle is known as the '''rosella''' or '''rosella fruit''' in Australia. It is also known as ''meśta''/''meshta'' on the [[Indian subcontinent]], ''chin baung'' in [[Myanmar]], ''krajeab'' in [[Thailand]], ''bissap'' in [[Senegal]], [[Mali]], and [[Niger]], the [[Congo Basin|Congo]] and [[France]], ''dah'' or ''dah bleni'' in other parts of [[Mali]], ''wonjo'' in the [[Gambia]], ''zobo'' in [[Nigeria]], ''karkade'' ('''كركديه'''; {{IPA2|'karkade}}) in [[Egypt]], Saudi Arabia, and [[Sudan]], ''omutete'' in [[Namibia]], ''sorrel'' in the [[Caribbean]] and ''Jamaica'' in [[Latin America]], ''Saril'' in [[Panama]], ''rosela'' in [[Indonesia]], ''asam paya'' or ''asam susur'' in [[Malaysia]]. In Chinese it is 洛神花 (''Luo Shen Hua'') . == Uses == The plant is considered to have [[antihypertensive]] properties. Primarily, the plant is cultivated for the production for [[bast fibre]] from the stem of the plant. The fibre may be used as a substitute for [[jute]] in making [[burlap]] <ref name="www_hort_purdue_edu1">{{cite web | url = http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Hibiscus_sabdariffa.html | title = hort.purdue.edu | accessdate = 2007-08-25 | publisher = }}</ref>. [[Hibiscus]], specifically Roselle, has been used in folk medicine as a diuretic, mild [[laxative]], and treatment for cardiac and nerve diseases and [[cancer]]. <ref name="www_drugs_com">{{cite web | url = http://www.drugs.com/npp/roselle.html | title = drugs.com | accessdate = 2008-05-11 | publisher = }}</ref> The red [[sepal |calyces]] of the plant are increasingly [[export]]ed to [[United States|America]] and [[Europe]], where they are used as [[food colouring]]s. [[Germany]] is the main importer. It can also be found in markets (as flowers or [[syrup]]) in some places such as [[France]], where there are Senegalese immigrant communities. The green [[leaf|leaves]] are used like a spicy version of [[spinach]]. They give flavour to the Senegalese fish and rice dish ''[[thiéboudieune]]''. Proper records are not kept, but the Senegalese government estimates national production and consumption at 700 [[metric ton]]s per year. Also in [[Myanmar]] their green leaves are the main ingredient in making chin baung kyaw curry. In East Africa, the calyx infusion, called "Sudan tea", is taken to relieve coughs. Roselle juice, with salt, pepper, asafetida and molasses, is taken as a remedy for [[biliousness]]. The heated leaves are applied to cracks in the feet and on boils and ulcers to speed maturation. A lotion made from leaves is used on sores and wounds. The seeds are said to be diuretic and tonic in action and the brownish-yellow seed oil is claimed to heal sores on [[camels]]. In India, a decoction of the seeds is given to relieve [[dysuria]], [[strangury]] and mild cases of [[dyspepsia]]. Brazilians attribute stomachic, emollient and resolutive properties to the bitter roots.<ref>[http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/roselle.html Purdue Univ, Center for new crops, Roselle]</ref> === Tea === In [[Africa]], especially the [[Sahel]], roselle is commonly used to make a sugary [[herbal tea]] that is commonly sold on the street. The dried flowers can be found in every market. In the Caribbean the drink is made from the fresh fruit, and it is considered an integral part of [[Christmas]] celebrations. The [[Carib Brewery Trinidad Limited]], a [[Trinidad and Tobago]] brewery, produces a ''[[Shandy]] Sorrel'' in which the tea is combined with beer. In Thailand, Roselle is drunk as a tea, believed to also reduce cholesterol. It can also be made into a delicious wine - especially if combined with Chinese tea leaves - in the ratio of 1:4 by weight (1/5 Chinese tea). === Beverage === : ''See also [[Hibiscus tea]]'' Jamaica (Anglicized as {{IPAEng|həˈmaɪkə}}) is a drink, popular in [[Mexico]] and [[Central America]], which is made from [[calyces]] of the roselle. In Malaysia, roselle calyces are harvested fresh to produce pro-health drink due to high contents of vitamin C and anthocyanins. In Mexico, 'agua de Jamaica' (water of roselle) is most often homemade. It is prepared by boiling the dried flowers of the Jamaica plant in water for 8 to 10 minutes (or until the water turns red), then adding sugar. It is often served chilled. The drink is one of several inexpensive beverages (aguas frescas) commonly consumed in Mexico and Central America, and they are typically made from fresh fruits, juices or extracts. In [[Mali]] and [[Senegal]], calyces are used to prepare cold, sweet drinks popular in social events, often mixed with mint leaves, dissolved menthol candy, and/or various fruit flavors. With the advent in the U.S. of interest in south-of-the-border cuisine, the calyces are sold in bags usually labeled "Flor de Jamaica" and have long been available in health food stores in the U.S. for making a [[tea]] that is high in [[vitamin C]]. This drink is particularly good for people who have a tendency, temporary or otherwise, toward water retention: it is a mild [[diuretic]]. In addition to being a popular homemade drink, [[Jarritos]], a popular brand of Mexican soft drinks, makes a Jamaica flavored carbonated beverage. Imported Jarritos can be readily found in the U.S. ==Phytochemicals== The plants are rich in anthocyanins, as well as [[protocatechuic acid]]. The dried calyces contain the [[flavonoids]] [[gossypetin]], [[hibiscetine]] and [[sabdaretine]]. The major pigment, formerly reported as [[hibiscin]], has been identified as [[daphniphylline]]. Small amounts of [[delphinidin 3-monoglucoside]], [[cyanidin 3-monoglucoside]] ([[chrysanthenin]]), and [[delphinidin]] are also present. == Production == [[China]] and [[Thailand]] are the largest producers and control much of the world supply. [[Thailand]] invested heavily in roselle production and their product is of superior quality, whereas China's product, with less stringent quality control practices, is less reliable and reputable. The world's best roselle comes from the [[Sudan]], but the quantity is low and poor processing hampers quality. Mexico, Egypt, Senegal, Tanzania, Mali and Jamaica are also important suppliers but production is mostly used domestically.<ref name="www_fao_org1">{{cite web | url = http://www.fao.org/inpho/content/compend/text/ch28/ch28.htm | title = fao.org | accessdate = 2007-08-25 | publisher = }}</ref> In the [[Indian subcontinent]] (especially in the [[Ganges Delta]] region), roselle is cultivated for vegetable fibres. Roselle is called meśta (or meshta, the ''ś'' indicating an ''sh'' sound) in the region. Most of its fibres are locally consumed. However, the fibre (as well as cuttings or butts) from the roselle plant has great demand in various natural fibre utilizing industries. Roselle, a tetraploid species, is a relatively new crop and industry in Malaysia. It was introduced in early 1990s and its commercial planting was first promoted in 1993. It is gradually becoming an important pro-health drink in the country. To a small extent, the calyces are also processed into sweet pickle, jelly and jam. The planted area is still small, around 150 ha annually, planted with mainly two varieties. In peninsular Malaysia, Terengganu state is the largest producer. Genetic variation is important for plant breeders to increase its productivity. Being an introduced crop species in Malaysia, there is a limited number of germplasm accessions available for breeding. Furthermore, conventional hybridization is difficult to carry out in roselle due to its cleistogamous nature of reproduction. Because of this, a mutation breeding programme was iniated to generate new genetic variability. The use of induced mutations for its improvement was initiated in 1999, and has produced some promising breeding lines. == External links == {{commons|Hibiscus sabdariffa|Roselle (plant)}} * [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9064103/roselle Roselle] on [[Encyclopædia Britannica]] * [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/roselle.html Roselle] at NewCROP<sup>TM</sup>, Center for New Crops & Plant Products, at [[Purdue University]] * [http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MV126 Roselle] at the [[University of Florida]] * [http://www.kingtutshop.com/Egyptian-Herb/hibiscus.htm Hibiscus] * [http://www.larsen-twins.dk/ombidi/112omutete.html Larsen-twins: ''Hibiscus sabdariffa''] * [http://www.congocookbook.com/c0224.html Jus de Bissap] ("Roselle juice") * [http://www.jade.sn/bissap/ Bissap page](in French) * [http://www.flordejamaica.org/index_archivos/propiedades.htm Hibiscus sabdariffa] (Flor de Jamaica en Colombia) [[Category:Hibiscus]] [[Category:Leaf vegetables]] [[Category:Fiber plants]] [[Category:Herbal tea]] [[Category:Medicinal plants]] [[Category:Tropical agriculture]] == Footnotes == <references /> [[ar:كركديه]] [[ca:Rosa de Jamaica]] [[de:Roselle (Pflanze)]] [[es:Hibiscus sabdariffa]] [[fr:Carcadé]] [[hu:Rozella]] [[nl:Roselle (plant)]] [[pl:Ketmia szczawiowa]] [[pt:Vinagreira]] [[zh:玫瑰茄]]