Gutguittya Gula—locally known as Roselle and scientifically identified as Hibiscus sabdariffa—is a tangy fruit and herbal plant widely found in the hilly regions of Cox’s Bazar.
Recently, this seasonal fruit was spotted on sale at Sonarpara bazaar in Ukhiya. A shopkeeper said the tangy-sweet fruit is highly popular among locals, especially during the monsoon season when it becomes more abundant. He added that he collects the fruit from nearby hill tracts and sells it in Ukhiya, where demand remains strong.
“I usually sell a condensed milk tin full of the fruit—about 250 grams—for Tk 20,” the vendor explained.
Interestingly, Gutguittya is known by at least nine different names in Bangla, including Heru, Chitrika, Gutgutia, Hajna, Hiliyavadi, Laljiuna, Neul, Naiyar, and Nior. Yet, the name Gutguittya remains the most widely used, perhaps because of the fruit’s appearance—small, round, and seed-like.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
