The flower of Jamaica, belongs to the malváceae family, and its scientific name is Hibiscus sabdariffa L. the biggest producers in the world are: China and Thailand, the production is lower in Mexico, Egypt, Senegal, Tanzania, Mali and Jamaica and the best quality in the world comes from Sudan, although in small quantity, Mexico ranks seventh in the list of producing countries; it is commonly known as: Jamaica rose, dart flower, Jericho rose, red tea, Roselle, Jamaica flower, red flower.
▶ The flower of Jamaica can be used as: Medicinal plant to eliminate alcoholic discomfort, stimulating the action of the liver and kidneys, it seems to facilitate the absorption of certain minerals, plant whose calyxes are used for the manufacture of juices, soft drinks, jellies, wines and in bakeries. Also as a textile plant, it is used in cordage whose fiber is strong and silky known as roselli hemp, it is considered as good as jute.
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The cultivation of H. sabdariffa offers some advantages: It adapts perfectly to tropical and sub-tropical climates and to any kind and type of soil, whether fertile or not, flat or sloping. At the moment it is considered as a plant with low or no susceptibility to pest and disease attack, when it is in full development. It is a drought tolerant crop, that is, it can be produced under semi-desert or desert conditions. It is a crop that employs a large number of family laborers, generating employment in marginal areas.
As for the varieties, there are the following: a) Rica: It is a plant that generally reaches little height, but is very productive, its flowers have large red calyxes, b) Victor: It is a variety of vigorous and reddish stems, so it is a variety with more red coloration and good producer of calyxes and fruits.
Besides the first two, there are also three other varieties of less economic importance in the market c) Archer: It is a plant with green stems and leaves (greenish plant), it is vigorous and very productive, d) Altísima: This variety of Jamaican rose is generally used for the extraction of fiber, since the plant reaches great height, therefore it produces long fiber of good quality, and e) Temprano or Real: It is considered one of the most precocious varieties and its yields of calyxes and fruits are adequate.
NOTE: Reference material.