Hibiscus (Rosella) Flowers
Natural History: Rosella Hibiscus sabdariffa is not really a native but has been adopted as a native in the tropics, having been there for thousands of years and originally thought to have been brought to our northern shores by Indonesian fisherman and travellers similar to the Northern Tamarind. Rosella grows on the fringes of Rainforest or tall forest and is often found behind sand dunes in the tropical north. There are several native Hibiscus closely related to the Rosella which are nearly as tasty, Native Rosella grows all around Kurrajong.
Cultural History: Rosella has been spread throughout the world by travelers and people as it is endlessly versatile, used in tea, desserts, soups, chutneys, eaten fresh it is a good source of vitamin C and is used in many herbal remedies throughout the world. Originally it is thought to come from Sri Lanka but can now be found growing on every continent, proof of its wonderful flavour and appeal to people worldwide.
Although it is the same species there are many differences between the countries where it grows. The Australian variety is quite different to the New Guinea & Indonesian variety which are totally different to the Chinese variety even though they are all classed as Hibiscus sabdariffa!
All of our flowers are sustainably grown and harvested by the most passionate farmers who lovingly hand-pick, clean and prepare each one! Using a mixture of artisanal our custom designed techniques, our flowers are nurtured all the way from the farm and into our products.
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Left: Pictures of our Hibiscus Plantations. The flowers are actually the calyx or centre of the flower and contain a woody seedpod which has to be removed by hand & then cleaned. The bottom picture shows one of 7 plantations that are contracted to our parent company The Wild Hibiscus Flower Company.
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