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Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield'
| Family Name: | Malvaceae |
| Common Name: | Red-Leaf Hibiscus, False Roselle, African Rosemallow |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Erect annual or short-lived perennial shrub that grows to 0.5 - 2.5 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Simple alternate leaves are slightly glossy and pubescent, deep red in colour and shape of the leaves is usually shallowly to deeply palmate with 3 to 5 lobes but upper leaves become undivided, with distinct nectary located at base of midrib. The leaves resemble those of the Japanese Maple. Petiole dark red. |
| Flowers | Flowers are solitary and bisexual, borne between the leaf axils with five petals that are dark red in colour with a dark purple centre. Flowers only last for a day. |
| Fruit | The fruit is a woody capsule which breaks open to release seeds. |
| Etymology | Genus Hibiscus is from the Greek word hibiskos which Roman poet Virgil used to relate to the marsh mallow plant. Species acetosella means vinegary or slightly acidic. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Leaves Food (Fruit & Vegetable): The leaves have a tart flavour and may be used in salads or stir-fries. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Skyrise / Balcony, Container Planting |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Disease / Pest Resistant, Easy to Grow |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Red |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Individual Flower Shape | Trumpet-shaped |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31446 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5843 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
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