Cranberry Hibiscus

Hibiscus acetosella

Physical Characteristics

Hibiscus acetosella is an evergreen Annual/Perennial growing to 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. and C. Africa.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked. An acid flavour with a mucilaginous texture, they can be added to salads or used in soups, stews etc[183, 299, 308]. They can be cooked with other foods to give them an acid sorrel-like flavour[183]. Yellow-flowered types with green leaves are most popular for this purpose, but red-flowered types with dark red leaves are also eaten[299]. Types with decorative pinkish-brown leaves are used in fresh salads, being appreciated for their special rather sour taste[299]. The red flowers and possibly also the leaves are occasionally used to make a tea, somewhat similar to the use of the red calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa[299]. Root - it is edible but is very fibrous[144]. Mucilaginous, without very much flavour[144, 299].

Medicinal Uses

An infusion of the leaves in water is used as a post-fever tonic and as a treatment for anaemia[299]. The leaves are crushed and soaked in cold water and the infusion is used for washing babies and young children who have body pains[299, 398].

Known Hazards

None known