ROSELLA IS GREAT FOR JAMS BUT ALSO MEDICINES
Monday, March 15th, 2010Hibiscus sabdariffa Rosella
| Botanical Name : Hibiscus sabdariffa English Name : Jamaican sorrel, Indian sorrel, Java jute, Karkade, Red sorrel, Red tea, Roselle, Rosella, Royal roselle, Florida cranberry, Rozelle, Guinea sorrel, Sour-sour, Queensland jelly plant (Aust.), Jelly okra. Family : Malvaceae Plant Parts Used: Leaf, Fruits Description of Hibiscus sabdariffa: The flowers are 80 cm in diameter, white to pale yellow with a dark red spot at the base of each petal, and have a stout fleshy calyx at the base, 1.5 cm wide, enlarging to 3.5 cm, fleshy and bright red as the fruit matures. It is an annual plant, and takes about six months to mature. |
|
|
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. Uses: Roselle is drunk as a tea, believed to also reduce cholesterol. It can also be made into a delicious wine – especially if combined with tea leaves. The plant is considered to have antihypertensive properties. Primarily, the plant is cultivated for the production for bats fiber from the stem of the plant. The fiber may be used as a substitute for jute in making burlap . Sourced and Published by Henry Sapiecha 16th March 2010
|
