Botanical Name : Hibiscus acetosella
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Hibiscus
Species:H. acetosella
Kingdom:Planta
Order: Malvales
Common Names: Mranberry hibiscus or African rosemallow, Cranberry Hibiscus, False roselle, Maroon mallow, ed leaved hibiscus, and Red shield hibiscus.
Habitat : Hibiscus acetosella is believed to be native to E. and C. Africa.It is thought to have come about via hybridization between Hibiscus asper Hook.f. and Hibiscus surattensis L. secondary to their cultivation. It was first recognized in 1896 by French botanists as a distinct plant and given the name it currently has. The plant was probably first found growing around African villages in the southern DR Congo-Angola-Zambia region. The crop was brought to Brazil and South-East Asia where it was most likely used as sustenance for slaves. It is now considered more popular in Brazil than its original location in Africa, where it is now regularly cultivated and eaten as a spinach-like green.
Description:
Hibiscus acetosella is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.The foliage of cranberry hibiscus is similar to that of the Japanese maple. It has dicot leaves which vary in shape from 3-5-lobed to un-lobed or undivided in the upper leaves of the plant and are generally the size of a small child’s hand, about 10×10 cm. They tend to be alternate, simple, and deeply cut with crenate or jagged edges. Leaf color is observed as a dark maroon to a patchy red/green appearance. Stipules are linear, measured approximately 1.5 cm in length. Both stems and petioles (3–11 cm in length) are smooth or generally free from hair. Acetosella is further divided into a section called Furcaria, which is a group of approximately 100 species that have non-fleshy calyx or sepals. The sepals contain 10 veins, 5 of which run to the apices of the segments; the other 5 run to the sinuses. Stems tend to be variegated. Flowers are solitary and sit atop a 1 cm long pedicel. They vary in color and are most often the dark maroon that is characteristic of the foliage with darker vein-like markings. Flowers are rarely yellow in color and are about 5 cm {2 inches} deep. Each flower contains numerous stamens at about 2 cm in length. The cranberry hibiscus is bisexual and is thought to be self-pollinating. It produces seeds that are reniform and dark brown with dimensions of 3×2.5 mm….CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES
Cultivation:
Prefers a well-drained humus rich fertile soil in full sun. A frost-tender plant but it can be grown as an annual in temperate zones.
Propagation:
Seed – sow early spring in a warm greenhouse. Germination is usually quite rapid. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Give them some protection until they are growing away well. A sowing outdoors in situ during April might work, though if the summer is cool the plants might not flower and set seed.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves; Root
Cranberry hibiscus leaves also contribute to the decor of various dishes since they retain their color after being cooked.
Leaves – raw or cooked. Added to salads or used in soups, stews etc. They can be cooked with other foods to give them an acid sorrel-like flavour[183]. Root – it is edible but is very fibrousy. Mucilaginous, without very much flavour.
Cranberry hibiscus is mostly known for its slightly sour or pleasantly tart young leaves which are commonly used as a vegetable, either raw or cooked. In South America, the leaves are used sparingly in salads and stir-fries. Leaves are eaten in small quantities due to acid content and because they are mucilaginous.
Flowers are used to make teas or other drinks where they contribute color rather than taste. In Central America the flowers are combined with ice, sugar, lemon, or lime juice and water to make a purple lemonade.
The root is edible however thought of as fibrous and distasteful. Contrary to similar species such as the Hibiscus sabdariffa, the calyx or sepals of Hibiscus acetosella is non-fleshy and not eaten.
Medicinal Uses:
In Angola a tea made from the leaves of cranberry hibiscus are used as a post-fever tonic and to treat anemia.The plant is also utilized to treat myalgias by crushing leaves into cold water to bathe children. The plant is thought to contain polyphenols, a compound that may combat inflammation and is commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibiscus_acetosella
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Hibiscus+acetosella
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