Environment
Fact Checked

What Is Hibiscus Sabdariffa?

Melanie Smeltzer
Melanie Smeltzer

Hibiscus sabdariffa is a type of flowering plant native to parts of West Africa that grows and is cultivated today in many tropical climates. It’s often more commonly known as the roselle plant. It has large blossoms that can bloom year round, though a lot of this depends on the specifics of its location as well as things like soil richness. In the heart of the tropics it’s usually a perennial plant, but in colder climates it can be an annual and has been known to adapt to a shorter blooming schedule. The leaves are frequently eaten, and the stems can be used to make a variety of tough fibers that are popular in weaving. This plant’s fruits are edible, as well, and are often made into jams, jellies, and sauces. In some places it is also revered for its medicinal properties. People sometimes drink tinctures and teas made from various parts of the plant, and the oils from both the blooms and the fruits are thought to have antiseptic and other healing powers, too.

Plant Basics

Hibiscus Sabdariffa is known as zobo in Nigeria.
Hibiscus Sabdariffa is known as zobo in Nigeria.

The Hibiscus sabdariffa plant is a species in the Hibiscus genus and the Malvaceae family. It’s usually a large flowering shrub, but depending on its location and cultivation it can be a much smaller herb-like bush, too. In the dense jungles of Africa, it’s often a soaring and climbing plant that almost looks like a vine, and can reach up to 8 feet (about 2.5 m) in height. On commercial farms, though, it tends to stay much lower to the ground and typically stays quite small.

In folk medicine, hibiscus sabdariffa is often used to soothe cold symptoms.
In folk medicine, hibiscus sabdariffa is often used to soothe cold symptoms.

Regardless of the specifics of location, the leaves that grow along the roselle plant’s branches range in color from green to red, are alternate, and bear three to seven lobes. Bold flowers add to its aesthetic appeal. They are generally large and red, yellow, or white in color with a deep red spot at the base of each petal. These plants also bear a fleshy calyx, or fruit, that begins as a medium green hue, but gradually deepens into a bright red as the fruits begin to mature.

Spinach has a taste that is similar to that of hibiscus sabdariffa leaves.
Spinach has a taste that is similar to that of hibiscus sabdariffa leaves.

Roselle is cultivated in many places around the world both for its good looks and many practical uses, and tends to be known by different names in different places. It’s called zobo in Nigeria, flor de Jamaica in Mexico, and sorrel in most of the Caribbean, for instance. Though the plant does best in naturally temperate and tropical climes, it can also adapt to colder regions if placed in a greenhouse or other controlled environment.

Stems in Demand

The stems of these plants are one of the biggest reasons it is so widely cultivated around the world. Stems tend to be very dense and durable, and they can be stripped into fibers that can be dried and used as jute, a vegetable fiber used for weaving cloth and burlap. The speed with which the plants regenerate and grow makes the process economical for many laborers and farmers around the world.

Uses for the Fruit

There are also many culinary uses for Hibiscus sabdariffa, though most of these center on the dense calyx. Once ripe, this fruit typically has a unique sweet-tart flavor that is commonly used as the base of different jams, jellies, and syrups. It is frequently baked into desserts and used to make sweet drinks. Outside of the culinary realm the fruit is sometimes also used in the manufacture of dyes, primarily for fabrics. At the peak of their maturity they produce a vibrant red color, but younger bulbs can also produce rich yellows and oranges.

Edible Leaves

Leaves can also be consumed. They tend to have a bitter taste when raw, so most cooks will sautee them or boil them. Some holistic chefs insist that they can be interchanged with spinach in almost any recipe. They are frequently prepared with other vegetables and spices. Leaves can also be infused with boiling water to make a sort of herbal tea.

Possible Medicinal Properties

As well as being delicious, Hibiscus sabdariffa is also thought to have many medicinal properties. Different parts of this plant are thought to have different actions, including antiseptic, aphrodisiac, purgative, and diuretic. In folk medicine, this plant is often used to soothe cold symptoms, cure digestive and heart-related ailments, and heal skin issues, such as abscesses, wounds, and ulcers. Additionally, some feel that the dried calyx may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of certain types of cancer.

You might also Like

Discussion Comments

turquoise

Hibiscus sabdariffa is native to Africa. That's why it is not very well known in the US. It is imported but mainly used as a food coloring. In other cultures, especially in Africa, Middle East and Asia, hibicus sabdariffa is used much more, as a food ingredient and herbal remedy.

But interest in the plant seems to be increasing. I have known about and have used hibiscus since I visited France many years ago. I am coming across more and more Americans who know about and use hibiscus. Hibiscus tea is becoming popular.

literally45

@discographer-- I wouldn't be surprised if it's the hibiscus controlling your sugar. The flower has many benefits when drank as a tea. It's rich in antioxidants and some people believe that it can help prevent illness and even cancer. I don't know if there are any studies done on the medicinal properties of hibiscus. So it would be wrong to claim that it does any of these things. But I have been drinking hibiscus tea for years and have not experienced any negative side effects.

The tea does have a unique flavor. Some people find it to be bitter or sour as you said. But if you sweeten it with a natural sweetener, this won't be problem. I think the taste is pleasant and I absolutely love the color. I think hibiscus tea could be used in baking to naturally add color to baked goods or toppings.

discographer

The herbal tea I drink has hibiscus in it. I think it's the hibiscus that gives the tea its bright red color. The tea smells very good and is a little bit sour. I drink it in the evening. This tea seems to help control my blood sugar although I'm not sure if it's the effect of the hibiscus or the other herbs in the tea. I should buy a hibiscus tea and compare the results.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Hibiscus Sabdariffa is known as zobo in Nigeria.
      By: juan35mm
      Hibiscus Sabdariffa is known as zobo in Nigeria.
    • In folk medicine, hibiscus sabdariffa is often used to soothe cold symptoms.
      By: fabianaponzi
      In folk medicine, hibiscus sabdariffa is often used to soothe cold symptoms.
    • Spinach has a taste that is similar to that of hibiscus sabdariffa leaves.
      By: mates
      Spinach has a taste that is similar to that of hibiscus sabdariffa leaves.