Hibiscus

[helwen]

gwynt_y_storm mentioned Hibiscus' efficacy in lowering blood pressure.

From a Wikipedia article on Hibiscus:

Three cups of tea daily resulted in an average drop of 7.2 point in their systolic blood pressure, compared to a 1.3 point drop in the volunteers who drank the placebo beverage. Study participants with higher blood pressure readings (129 or above), had a greater response to hibiscus tea, their systolic blood pressure went down by 13.2 points. This data supports the idea that drinking hibiscus tea in an amount readily incorporated into the diet may play a role in controlling blood pressure, although more research is required.

"The genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, and woody shrubs and small trees." (wiki)

While many Hibiscus are tropical or subtropical there are also relatives in temperate climes. One such is Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althea, or Rose of Althea. There are quite a few of these in my area, as it is a favored ornamental. The flowers are edible.

Another is called the rosemallow, but there are variations on these as well, a popular garden variety being upright and petite, compared to Hibiscus laevis syn. Hibiscus militaris, which may be upright, but is definitely not petite. I believe we have a darker, pinker version of this growing wild in our area.

I've also spotted a shorter plant that looks to have the right type of flower, and the leaves fall into the right category... but the best ID I can come up with is swamp mallow, which is supposed to be coastal... it's only next to a river though, so I guess that's swampy. We have "sea" gulls here too -- I figure they followed the rivers inland and then decided to stay here...

[EDIT] The one used commercially for infusions is Roselle, native to the Old World tropics.

Comments

[flidaisairmid.livejournal.com]

Trader Joes sells candied Hibiscus , shelved in with the dehydrated fruits. They are sugared in the same way one preserves dog violet and heartsease flowers. Can make for an interesting addition to a pantry.

[helwen.livejournal.com]

That sounds interesting! Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for it :)