Roselle🌺

An annual or short-lived perennial in the mallow family, native to West Africa and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. The fleshy red calyces at the base of the flowers are the main product — dried, they are the source of hibiscus (roselle) tea. Rich in vitamin C, citric acid, and anthocyanins, giving a vivid red colour and tart taste. Also used in jams, drinks, and sauces. In Japan, cultivated in parts of Okinawa and Kyushu.

Identification Points

• ✓1–2 m tall with reddish stems
• ✓Palmately 3–5 lobed leaves
• ✓Pale yellow flowers with a red centre; thickened red calyces at the base

Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification

Phylogenetic Positionアオイ科 →