Hibiscus acetosella
Hibiscus acetosella, commonly known as False Roselle, is a versatile medicinal herb prized for its distinctively tart, acidic flavor. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, this plant is traditionally used to support digestive health and reduce inflammation. Its vibrant leaves and potent properties make it a valuable botanical resource.
- Scientific name: Hibiscus acetosella
- Family: Malvaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Hibiscus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Malvaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Hibiscus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Hibiscus acetosella, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Swedish, it is referred to as Blodhibiskus, while in Thai, it is called ชบาเมเปิล. When translated into Chinese, it can be identified by the names 紫叶槿 or 红叶木槿.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| sv | Blodhibiskus | Wikidata |
| th | ชบาเมเปิล | Wikidata |
| zh | 紫叶槿 | Wikidata |
| zh | 红叶木槿 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse distribution across several regions within the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in Benin, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species can also be found in Burundi. Furthermore, its range extends into Cameroon, which is part of the West-Central region. Together, these locations highlight the plant's presence in both West and West-Central tropical ecosystems.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Burundi | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known for its distinctively shaped foliage, primarily utilizes its young leaves for medicinal purposes. These tender, reddish-tinted young leaves are highly valued in traditional herbal practices due to their concentrated nutrient profile and specific chemical properties. When harvested early in their development, they are often consumed to provide a tart, acidic flavor that is characteristic of the species, serving both as a culinary additive and a therapeutic agent.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Young leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Hibiscus acetosella has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, Caffeic acid, Polyphenol, coumaric acid, flavonoid.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Polyphenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumaric acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallocatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Hibiscus acetosella has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antigenotoxic, Antimutagenic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antigenotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimutagenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Hibiscus acetosella has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include abscesses, conjunctivitis, fever, hemorrhoid, pain.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| abscesses | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| conjunctivitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hemorrhoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatism | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |