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Roselle (Karkade)
الكركديه · Hibiscus sabdariffa
A plant whose fleshy red flower cups are collected to make karkade (hibiscus) drink.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | الكركديه |
|---|---|
| English name | Roselle (Karkade) |
| Scientific name | Hibiscus sabdariffa |
| Family | Mallow family (Malvaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual shrub |
| Height | 1 to 2 m |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
April to June
Harvest time
October to December
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
An upright plant with red stems, lobed leaves and pale yellow flowers that become fleshy red cups.
Where it grows
Grown in hot areas such as Jazan, Makkah, Najran and the Eastern Province.
Soil
Grows in most well-drained soils.
Water and irrigation
Moderate watering.
Climate and light
Loves heat and sun.
Propagation
From seeds.
Benefits and uses
- Its cups make a famous drink
- Young leaves can be eaten
Drawbacks
- Flowers only when days get shorter in autumn
- Cold harms it
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Hibiscus sabdariffa
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Hibiscus sabdariffa
- Wikipedia: Roselle (plant)
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) - Plant finder
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)