Asia's Apothecary - Hibiscus Flowers

About Hibiscus Flowers

Hibiscus Flowers, as sold for ritual use, are the dried calyces of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), a tall hibiscus domesticated in Africa and now grown across the tropics. The calyx is the fleshy cup of sepals that cradles the seed pod; after the pale yellow bloom fades, it swells into a glossy crimson jewel that dries to deep ruby. Historically, the same calyces were steeped into the tart red drinks known as karkade in Egypt, bissap in West Africa and agua de jamaica in Mexico. In folk magic it belongs to Venus and Water, a botanical of love, desire and second sight.