sabdariffa

Latin
A page from Plantarum Seu Stirpium Historia, published 1576, describing Sabdariffa (top) and other plants.

Etymology

17th century coinage of uncertain origins. Thought by some to come from a Jamaican word, and by others from a Turkish word.

Noun

sabdariffa (first declension)

  1. Hibiscus sabdariffa, the roselle, a Hibiscus species native to the Old World tropics.
    • 1576, Matthias de Lobel (1538–1616), Plantarum Seu Stirpium Historia, page 375:
      Sabdariffa. Huc spectat perelegans & noua planta, quam quidam Sabdariffam vocãt.
      (please add an English translation of this quote)
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