Hibiscus sabdariffa L.

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is an annual or perennial shrub up to 4-5 meters tall of the Malvaceae family, native to Africa, where its flower calyx is processed into jam or jelly. In Indonesia, roselle is popularly steeped into a refreshing tart tea, while its stem produces fiber for sacks and rope. Roselle is believed to be antihypertensive and to help lower cholesterol.

Grows optimally in areas at elevations of 600 m above sea level, average temperature 24-32°C, optimum pH between 5.5-7, not tolerant of high-salinity soil conditions. Prefers fertile, loose soil with full sunlight.

• Stem round, standing upright, woody and red in color, branched and fibrous.
• Leaves single, round oval-shaped or lobed into 3 deep sections. Has palmate veins, serrated leaf edges.
• Flowers whitish-yellow, spotted center. Fleshy calyx covers the flower base.
• Fruit ovoid or round shaped tapering at the tip resembling a capsule, reddish-green in color.
• Seeds kidney or bean-shaped, tapering corners, hairy, brown.

• Propagated generatively (seed) or vegetatively (stem cuttings).
• Seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours, choose seeds that sink to plant in a nursery bed. At 2 weeks of age, transplant seedlings to polybags.

Flavonoid, phenolic, saponin, alkaloid, tannin, linoleic acid, 5-(Hydroxymethyl) furfural, malic acid, a-tocopherol, anthocyanin, ascorbic acid.

Antibacterial and antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihypertensive, treats wounds, skin disease and insect bites, lowers cholesterol, improves blood circulation.

• Pick roselle calyx then wash thoroughly with running water.
• Dry the material covered with a black cloth. Dry in the sun at 9:00-11:00 or 14:00-16:00 for 3-5 days.
• Once dry, store in a closed container.

Known by local names, Kesew jawe (South Sumatra), Perambos, Gamet walanda (Sunda), Kasturi roriha (Ternate), Merambos ijo (Central Java).