The flower of Jamaica belongs to the malvaceous family, and its scientific name is Hibiscus sabdariffa L. It is a plant native to the tropical countries of Asia, particularly India and Malaysia. The main producing countries of Jamaica are China, India and Sudan. Mexico occupies the seventh place in the list of producing countries; it is commonly known as: Jamaica rose, dart flower, Jericho rose, red tea, rosella, Jamaica flower, red flower.
▶ Through the infusion of its calyxes is obtained a drink, refreshing, slightly acidulous, popularly recommended as a diuretic emollient, antioxidant, spasmolytic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antihypertensive and antiscorbutic.
▶ Credits: coolrunningscatamarans – [Image of Public Domain]
Advantages offered by the crop, it adapts perfectly to any kind and type of soil, whether fertile or not, flat or sloping, it adapts perfectly to tropical and sub-tropical climates, at the moment it is considered as a plant with low or no susceptibility to attack by pests and diseases, when it is in full development, it is a drought resistant crop, that is, it can be produced under semi-desert or desert conditions.
As for the botanical description, it is an annual, herbaceous plant, which generally reaches 1 to 2 meters in height. The Jamaican rose has stems, leaf petioles and calyxes of a dark or light red color, tending to purple or lilac and the varieties that are generally fiber producing have a green or yellowish coloration.
The flowers are axillary, bisexual and solitary; their corolla is bell-shaped, pale yellow or pink, composed of five petals, with a dark purple spot in the lower inner part. After a short period the corolla withers and disappears, leaving only the calyxes, which are elongated and become fleshy, dark red in color and with an acid taste. The calyx is cup-shaped, longer than wide.
NOTE: Reference material.