False Roselle (Hibiscus acetosella) has red leaves reminiscent of a Japanese maple. The flowers, which are open only a day, are used in salads. Young leaves can be added to salads or chopped and used in stir fries. Note the leaves are NOT sweet. A close relative, Hibiscus sabdariffa, the true Roselle, is also called the Cranberry Hibiscus. Its fat calyces are used from Florida to South America to make a tart cranberry-like flavored drink.
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