Other hibiscus relatives
Verify the crop and edible plant part. Common names can cover several species.
Use the botanical sourceCulinary reference
Roselle.
Sabdariffa gossypiifolia
Also found as Hibiscus sabdariffa · Bissap · Jamaica · Sorrel
A tropical crop famous for tart red calyces. The familiar botanical name is Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Sources checked 9 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Do not substitute ornamental hibiscus or identify by a red flower alone.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 1,231
- People who recorded it
- 1,047
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Oct–Jan
- Records span
- 2003–2026
| January | 96 |
|---|---|
| February | 54 |
| March | 28 |
| April | 52 |
| May | 61 |
| June | 36 |
| July | 25 |
| August | 23 |
| September | 58 |
| October | 133 |
| November | 225 |
| December | 136 |
| January | 5 |
|---|---|
| February | 7 |
| March | 8 |
| April | 32 |
| May | 71 |
| June | 79 |
| July | 59 |
| August | 15 |
| September | 7 |
| October | 11 |
| November | 4 |
| December | 6 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Upright reddish stems.
- 02
Mature leaves commonly have three to five lobes.
- 03
Hibiscus-like flowers with a dark center; fleshy calyces develop around fruit.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
African origin; cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions.
Watch the plant stage
Calyces after flowering while fleshy; timing depends on cultivar, day length and local climate.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Calyx · Leaf
Food-grown calyces are used in drinks and preserves. Follow a reliable recipe.
Care for the patch
Prefer cultivated plants and leave selected fruit for seed.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- NC State Extension · RoselleBotanical description, range and documented use
- Kew POWO · Accepted roselle nameAccepted name and Hibiscus sabdariffa synonym
Checked 9 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction