Karkadé
Some 220 species of annuals, herbaceous perennials, and deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees belong to this genus, which occurs in warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions. The most widely cultivated species is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which has numerous cultivars in the tropics, though only red-flowered plants are suitable for the purposes described below. The distinctive flowers, with their projecting column of stamens and style, has become a symbol of exotic places such as Hawaii, and are important in Hindu devotional ceremonies, being sacred to Ganesh, the elephant god. Hibiscus sabdariffa was introduced to Jamaica in the 18th century and is now grown in many parts of Asia, Africa, C America, and in California and Florida. It reached Europe in the late 19th century as "Sudanese tea", but was initially unpopular due to its blood-red color. Today it is used to color and flavor most fruit-based herb teas. Hibiscus sabdariffa var. altissima is widely grown for fiber; it has a taller, narrower habit. False roselle (H. acetosella) has sour-tasting foliage, used in similar ways to sorrel (Rumex acetosa, See sorrel). The related Malvaciscus arboreus (sleeping hibiscus, tulipan del monte) is used in C America and the Caribbean to stimulate hair growth and to promote sweating.

Woody-based perennial with prickly stems and palmately-lobed leaves, to 15cm (6in) long. Pale yellow flowers, about 8cm (3in) across, with dark purple centers, appear in summer, followed by capsules, to 2.5cm (1in) long, each surrounded by an enlarged, fleshy, bright red calyx.

Common Name:	Karkadé
Other Names:	Roselle, Jamaican Sorrel
Botanical Name:	Hibiscus sabdariffa
Genus:	Hibiscus
Family:	Malvaceae
Native Location:	Old World Tropics
Cultivation:	Well-drained, moist, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Hibiscus need full sun and warm summers to flower well. Cut back hard in spring. Whitefly, aphids, and spider mite may attack plants under cover.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring (species only) at 13-18°C (55-64°F); by greenwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Harvest:	Stems are cut for fiber. Leaves are picked when young and used fresh; flowers are cut and dried for infusions and powders. Calyces are collected when mature and used fresh or dried. Seeds for roasting are collected when ripe.
Height:	2.5m (8ft)
:Width	2m (6ft)
Hardiness:	Z9-11
Parts Used:	Leaves, stems, flower calyces, seeds.
Properties:	An aromatic, astringent, cooling herb that has diuretic effects, helps lower fever, and provides vitamin C.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally as a tonic tea for digestive and kidney functions.
Culinary Uses:	Leaves have a rhubarb-like flavor, eaten raw or cooked. Calyces are added to jams, curries, and chutneys, and made into cranberry-like sauces, drinks, and syrup. Seeds are eaten roasted, made into an oily sauce, or fermented into Sudanese meat substitute, furundu.
Economic Uses:	Stems are a source of fiber (roselle help). Calyces are used to give color and flavor to herb teas.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 235