Hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a genus of the Malvaceae or Mallow family. In Iran, it is typically known as, “sour tea”, in English-speaking countries it is called “Red Sorrel”. Originally from Angola, it is now cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions, especially from Sudan, Egypt, Thailand, Mexico and China. Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a genus of the Malvaceae or Mallow family. In Iran, it is typically known as, “sour tea”, in English-speaking countries it is called “Red Sorrel”. Originally from Angola, it is now cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions, especially from Sudan, Egypt, Thailand, Mexico and China. The generic name is derived from the Greek word (hibiskos), which was the name Dioscorides (ca. 40-90) gave to Althaea officinalis or Marshmallow. Hibiscus species are used to represent nations: Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower of South Korea, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia. The red hibiscus is the flower of the Hindu Goddess, Kali and appears frequently in depictions of her in the art of Bengal, often with the goddess and the flower merging in form. Hibiscus is used as an offering to goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha in Hindu worship.