Post by Top Tropicals

Karkade Hibiscus sabdariffa is a species of Hibiscus probably native to West Africa, now cultivated throughout the tropics. It used for the production of bast fibre and as an infusion, in which it may be known as Karkade. It is an annual or perennial herb or woody-based subshrub, growing to 7–8ft tall, mostly branched; stem to 11ft tall, variously colored dark green to red. The leaves are deeply to 3-5-lobed, arranged alternately on the stems. The flowers are 3–4in in diameter, white to pale yellow with a dark red spot at the base of each petal, and have a stout calyx at the base, fleshy and bright red as the fruit matures. The fruit consists of the large reddish calyces surrounding the small seed pods. Plant exhibits marked photoperiodism, not flowering at shortening days of 13.5 hours. The drink made by placing the calyx in water is a folk remedy for abscesses, heart ailments, hypertension and neurosis, also use as antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, digestive, diuretic, purgative and tonic. There has been some medical studies which indicate that it lowers high blood pressure and also has diuretic effects. The Middle Eastern "Karkade" is popular drink made by soaking the dried calyces in cold water overnight in a refrigerator with sugar and some lemon or lime juice added.