Hibiscus is a genus of annual or perennial flowering plants that includes more than 30,000 varieties. The hibiscus is part of the family malvaceae (malvaceae).
These are plants known since ancient times: they were grown in Egypt and for their ornamental character Southeast Asia, but also for their edible fruits. Imported into Europe in the 12th century by the moors of Spain, some species were then introduced in America in the 1600s by the slaves. South Korea and the Malaysia have a hibiscus as a national flower, respectively H.syriacus and h. rosa-sinensis.
The hibiscus is valued for food and medicinal purposes.
-Hibiscus sabdariffa (also called "Guinea Sorrel"), native to West Africa, produces shoots and young leaves that are eaten raw or cooked and the vegetables.
Its red flowers, dried and infused, are used for jams and sauces or for the preparation of the bissap, infusion and syrup producing a drink red, bue fresh and very sweet (sometimes prepared with Mint) in Africa West, especially in Senegal and Mauritania where one of its popular names in vogue has become "coc' Africa ' ('seille" in Guinea(, "roselle" in Jamaica or 'agua de Jamaica' to the Mexico). It's a drink rich in Ascorbic acid (hence its taste tart) and it is diuretic, sedative and hypotensive, or laxative virtues.
In Africa the East and the Middle East, this drink is called carcade (or karkade, karkadeh; from Arabic karkandji). It is very popular in Egypt, including for its medicinal virtues. This drink is drunk hot or cold.
