Hibiscus acetosella (Cranberry Hibiscus)

Native to tropical Africa, this is an upright annual or short-lived perennial herb or shrub. The shoots and foliage often have a strong red flush. Lower leaves are usually divided into three to five lobes, while upper leaves may remain undivided. Solitary flowers develop in the leaf axils, with five pink to wine-red petals surrounding a darker center. The flowers usually self-pollinate, although insects may transfer pollen between plants. Many-seeded capsules follow flowering. The sour leaves are cooked as a vegetable, and the flowers are used for tea. It has been introduced to Southeast Asia as a vegetable and ornamental plant. Photographed in Colombia.