I got seed for H. sabdariffa numerous years ago from ECHO
http://echonet.org/ (main site)
http://www.echobooks.org/ (sales site)
As far as I know there was no variety name. They were a part of ECHO's program to help feed the world's hungry and so were grown for the "fruit" rather than appearance. Unfortunately I have no pics of the fruits, plants or flowers.
It has been several years since I grew them (my personally collected seed are dated 2004), so I was afraid I had lost them. A few days ago I planted multiple seed in a large pot hoping I would get at least some germination. I should have pre-soaked the seed but just wanted to get some in soil. Luckily, at least one seed is now sprouting. Now that I know there is at least some viability, I'm pre-soaking some seed to sow a second pot. The first batch I purposely grossly over-planted (I have a lot of seed) and just sprinkled the seed on the surface, scratched them in with a stick, then watered them in. A fair number of them are fully exposed. I'll plant the second batch with more care.
If you are interested (and if there is reasonable germination) I would be happy to trade a batch of these seed for a few of the 'Thai Red'. I'd like to have another variety for comparison.
The last time I grew them out (obviously 2004) I waited too long to harvest the fruit and they had started drying out and turning woody, It never occurred to me then, but good to know, that the dry calyxes can be used for tea. I remember the year previous the juicy calyxes were quite good. I rather lost touch with gardening for a few years, but since I have become re-energized in the past couple years, I'm anxious to get the H. sabdariffa going again.
