At first we thought it was a weed, as it looked out of place and very weed like (ie more succulent than an native Australian plant in the Kimberley), but then we discovered it was the Rosella plant. No wonder it looks out of place as, even though it had been here for thousands of years, it is not strictly a native of Australia. But obviously it does very well in the north.
However the flowers of the Rosella are delicious, and whenever we saw one on our walks I couldn't resist plucking off a couple of flowers to nibble on.
The red edible calyxes are high in vitamin C with a tart-sweet flavour which goes well in salads, jellies, red sauces, jams, cordials, syrups, fruit teas and wine. I tasted jam made by a friend in the Kimberley, but have never made it myself as it requires a great number of calyxes, but I can guarantee it is absolutely delicious. I purchased a couple of jars in Broome and brought them back home with me. You can also buy Rosella flowers in syrup, which I haven't tried myself, but I'm told are also delicious. Here is a recipe from Tucker Bush.com - Rosella Jam
So there you have it - the Rosella plant. You can find out more information here - Rosella - Tucker Bush.com
ps - I am not promoting any particular product or company.
You might also like:
The wildflowers are blooming in the Kimberley
On the road through the Kimberley
The Kimberley Boab Tree
Thank you so much for stopping by. I value your comments and look forward to hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. I hope your 2019 has started well. My January seems to be very busy! Have a wonderful week.
I am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!
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Wednesday Around the World at Communal Global hosted by Randomosity.
Travel Photo Thursday
Wednesday Around the World at Communal Global hosted by Randomosity.
Travel Photo Thursday
Hello there! I love reading your comments. If you scroll down to the bottom you can comment too! I would love to hear from you.
Jill - if I encountered this plant in the wild, I would not have imagined eating the flowers. But then I consider the rose hip, which is made into tea … Nature can provide if we open our minds to it! Thanks for linking to MM with this "jammy" treat!
ReplyDeleteI knew nothing about this Rosella plant, thank you for the info. Happy MM.
ReplyDeleteIt is a pretty plant. Being a hibiscus, I wonder if the flower is larger in its native land. I read that it's drought tolerant, be interesting to grow it here in California.
ReplyDeleteI bought one in a garden centre here, but unfortunately it died. Too cold probably. The northern part of Australia is VERY hot and wet in summer, and warm and dry in winter.
DeleteJello Jill,
ReplyDeleteSo pretty - these Kimberly flowers! Love the shape of the Rosella.
From my mother I remember from my childhood the Rose-syrup, to make
rose-lemonade. Always assumed that it came from the common )tea) roses, but now I wonder if was the Rosella, since they lived in Indonesia and Australia is not far from there - thinking about plants in you area of the world).
Wishing you and your family a belated New Year -
mine started much busier than I expected
Your post is a great start of 2019 for All Seasons!
Junieper/Jesh StG
I am fairly sure that rose hip jam syrup etc is made from traditional roses - I just found this - https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/rosehip-syrup-recipe
Deletethanks so much for the link! Also a memory from childhood was a rosehip jam on the table (store bought)! And I loved it:) Jesh StG
DeleteThis is totally new to me. Nice to know it!
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty colors!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Jill! ...the color is so vibrant! I’m learning lots of fascinating things about your country and Sri Lanka these day
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a new one to me -- related to the larger hibiscus. It's lovely, as well as edible.
ReplyDeleteI have made a few batches of rosella jam over the years, it is a favourite in our house. It is a bit annoying to make as you need to take out the middles. I need to get some bushes going again, one or two is all you need. What a great find.
ReplyDeleteI have made a few batches of rosella jam over the years, it is a favourite in our house. It is a bit annoying to make as you need to take out the middles. I need to get some bushes going again, one or two is all you need. What a great find.
ReplyDeleteRosella Jam! Now that's something I'd love to try
ReplyDelete