Changes in size and weight of calyxes, weight and moisture content of seeds of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) during development

Plant growth and development is strongly influenced by the environment in which they grow. Therefore the time of harvest of a plant commodity will be different in the tropics and the subtropics. This condition is also the case for the plant which yield calyx. Here we report the development of the calyx to varying stages of maturity in seeds of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) during their development. This study allows us to determine the appropriate harvest time. The calyx and seed development were observed at the ages of 17, 21, 25, 29, 33 and 37 days after anthesis was assessed. The results showed that the appropriate harvest time was at the age of 33 days after anthesis where the average weight of calyx and seeds reached 11.9 g and 2.3 g per flower respectively. This present study suggested the physiological mature of seed Roselle was dependent manner from dry weight and moisture content of the seed.