Roselle Crop: Hibiscus sabdariffa, Uses & Agricultural Importance

UPSC Link

Agriculture + Crop Diversity + Food Processing

 

Scientific Identity

Roselle → Hibiscus sabdariffa

Key Facts

  • Family: Malvaceae

  • Related to:

    • Cotton

    • Okra

    • Hibiscus

  • The fleshy red calyces are widely used for:

    • Beverages

    • Herbal teas

    • Food products

    • Natural colouring

  • Seeds can provide oil.

  • It is an important fibre and food crop in several regions.

  • Often associated with warm tropical/subtropical climates.

Key Pointers

  • Roselle → Hibiscus sabdariffa

  • Family → Malvaceae

  • Important part → Calyx

  • Uses → Beverages, food, fibre, natural colour

  • Related crops → Cotton and okra