गुड़हल
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
The hibiscus used for Keshsar is the ordinary red garden variety, a woody evergreen shrub grown widely in warm climates and recognised by its broad petals and long central staminal column.
Flowers and leaves have both appeared in Indian household preparations for a long time, sometimes crushed fresh into oil or made into a paste.
For this oil, the botanical material is prepared for infusion in the coconut base. It contributes to the colour and character of the finished small-batch preparation.