ABSTRACT
Roselle also known as Indian or Jamaican sorrel is probably native to Africa, where it may have been domesticated in Sudan, first for its seed and later for leaf and calyx production. Roselle is locally known as Mesta or Meshta in the Indian Subcontinent. Roselle plant parts like leaves, fresh raw calyces and seeds are a good source of carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorous and contain an appreciable amount of iron, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin too. Roselle is a multi-use plant as it is used in food, animal feed, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Roselle leaves, stems, fruits and seeds are used in traditional medicines as it has certain therapeutic properties. Roselle is an annual erect shrub that takes 5 months from planting to harvesting. The warm and damp tropical climate is suitable for Roselle plants and exceptionally susceptible to frost and mist. Being a crop with a deep root system, it requires adequate soil depth and is rather drought resistant.
