Indian-sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa, Sp. Pl.: 695 (1753))

Family: Malvaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 695 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hibiscus

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Trop. Africa to Sudan

Description

Indian-sorrel, scientifically known as Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and numerous beneficial properties. First described in 1753, this plant is a member of the Malvaceae family. It is native to a region that spans from Western Tropical Africa to Sudan, making it well-suited to warm, tropical climates.

The plant itself is notable for several reasons. Most strikingly, it produces vibrant flowers and large, edible calyces that are used extensively in culinary and medicinal applications. The calyces, in particular, are prized for their tart flavor and are commonly harvested to make a variety of refreshments like teas, jams, and even as a natural food coloring agent. Known for producing a deep red hue, the teas and beverages made from Hibiscus sabdariffa are not only visually appealing but also pack a punch of tart, tangy flavor.

Beyond its culinary uses, Indian-sorrel is esteemed in traditional medicine. The plant is widely recognized for its rich antioxidant properties, primarily attributed to its high content of vitamin C, anthocyanins, and various other bioactive compounds. It’s frequently used in the preparation of herbal remedies to help support overall health, including treatments aimed at reducing hypertension, aiding digestion, and boosting immune health.

Cultivating Hibiscus sabdariffa requires a warm climate, consistent rainfall, and well-draining soil. The plant prefers full sunlight and generally thrives in conditions often found in tropical regions. Efficient agricultural practices and knowledge of the plant’s growth cycle are crucial for maximizing yield and quality of the harvested species.

The versatility and rich cultural significance of Indian-sorrel make it an invaluable plant. Whether admired for its strikingly beautiful flowers, its usefulness in a diverse range of culinary dishes, or its traditional health benefits, Hibiscus sabdariffa continues to be a plant of great importance across many different cultures and regions.

Common Names

Eng: indian-sorrel, jamaica-sorrel, roselle, red-sorrel, sorrel
Deu: malventee, rosella
Spa: acedera de guinea, rosa de jamaica, serení
Fra: oseille de guinée, roselle
Swe: rosellhibiskus
En: Indian-sorrel, Roselle, Jamaica-sorrel, Red-sorrel, Sorrel, Jamaica Sorrel, Jamaican sorrell, Red tea, Rosella, Sereni, Red sorrel
Ar: كركديه
Fr: Oseille de Guinée, Roselle, Oseille, Loseille, Karkadé, Bissap
De: Malventee, Rosella, Roselle, Afrikanische Malve, Karkade, Sabdariff-Eibisch, Sudan-Eibisch
Pt: Rosela, Carurú-de-Guiné, Quiab-róseo, Quiabo-azedo, Quiabo-de-Angola, Quiabo-róseo, Quinabo-roxo, Vingagreira, Vinagreira
Pt-br: Carurú-de-Guiné, Quiabo-azedo, Quiabo-de-Angola, Quiabo-róseo, Quiabo-roxo, Rosela, Vinagreira
Es: Acedera de Guinea, Serení, Rosa de Jamaica
Sv: Rosellhibiskus

Synonyms

• Hibiscus sanguineus (Griff.)
• Hibiscus acetosus (Noronha)
• Sabdariffa rubra (Kostel.)
• Furcaria sabdariffa (Ulbr.)
• Hibiscus palmatilobus (Baill.)
• Hibiscus cruentus (Bertol.)
• Hibiscus digitatus (Cav.)
• Hibiscus masuianus (De Wild. & T.Durand)
• Sabdariffa digitata ((Cav.) Kostel.)
• Abelmoschus cruentus (Walp.)
• Hibiscus digitatus var. kerrianus (DC.)
• Hibiscus subdariffa (Rottb.)
• Hibiscus gossypifolius (Mill.)
• Hibiscus fraternus (L.)
• Hibiscus cuneatus (Bertol.)

Distribution

• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Congo (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Angola (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Belize (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Burkina (introduced)
• Cambodia (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Egypt (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Gambia (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Guinea (introduced)
• Guinea-Bissau (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Iraq (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Laos (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Malawi (introduced)
• Mali (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Mauritania (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Mexico Gulf (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Mexico Southeast (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• Namibia (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• Niger (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• Sierra Leone (introduced)
• Solomon Is. (introduced)
• Somalia (introduced)
• Southwest Caribbean (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Togo (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)
• Zambia (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Dec 5, 2016 by Azmi Yusof (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Skyden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2019 by beto vieira (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2018 by Nancy Battaglia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 17, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 14, 2021 by Kebun Favorit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2021 by Syr Asd (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2021 by Syr Asd (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 17, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2016 by Azmi Yusof (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 5, 2020 by gragnani (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 17, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2022 by #MaryKingfishers MK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Schmidt Fernando da Luz (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 22, 2021 by tout change tout évolue (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Manuel Guza (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2022 by dayra cano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2021 by Aziz Beroud (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Carvalho da Silva Guilherme (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 14, 2021 by jo arau (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2018 by sicofante (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 21, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 17, 2020 by Chee Keong Chan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Schmidt Fernando da Luz (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3152582)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:326388-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth