Département de Biologie et Physiologie Végétales, Unité de Recherche et de Formation en Science de la Vie et de la Terre, Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Hibiscus sabdariffa commonly known as roselle is a species widely used in Burkina Faso. The objective of this study is to contribute to a better knowledge of the species. Specifically, it is to (i) draw up an inventory of local knowledge about the plant and (ii) to identify modes of management of the plant by farmers in Burkina Faso. An investigation was carried out through semi-structured interviews in six provinces in Western area of Burkina Faso. Informations such as: vernacular names, cultivation practices, method of obtaining and saving seeds, cultivation periods and uses of the plant are listing. In total, 179 farmers from 13 ethnical groups were interviewed. About 34 vernacular names were recorded according to these ethnic groups. To describe local varieties, farmers use morphological traits such as the color and size of plant and shape of calyxes. On this basis, two local varieties were described on the basis of the color of the plant, two on the basis of shape of calyxes and two on the basis of the size of plant. Leaves, calyxes and seeds are used as food for local populations and marketing of seeds, leaves and calyxes and their derived products constitutes a significant source of incomes for producers.