You have probably seen this flower somewhere in the Reserve. You may even know its common name – Bladder Hibiscus or Flower-of-an-Hour, but what do we really know about this small member of the CRR biodiversity and is it indigenous? 

Happily, Hibicus trionum is considered a South African indigenous grassland plant. South Africa however is only one of the places it can be found. Native to the Old World Tropics and subtropics it can now be seen in Southern Europe and the United States to name but a few where it is considered a naturalized weed or cultivated as a garden plant. Its common name Flower-of-an-Hour refers to the fact that it only blooms for a few hours before wilting. It is also called the bladder hibiscus because of the calyx (the green part found below the petals) which are bladder-like.

From the Malvaceae (Mallow) family this annual herb has an astounding amount of uses. The roots, leaves and flowers can be eaten although young leaves and roots are sticky and don’t have much of a flavour. The flowers however have been used traditionally for itchy and/or painful skin and as a diuretic. It has potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Studies have indicated that it could assist with weight loss and in the regulation of blood glucose and insulin levels. It may be able to protect the liver due to its hepatoprotective quality and thanks to its H. Trionum content it could help manage cholesterol and serve as an antibacterial. There is also potential for use as an astringent, a calming and digestive agent, although more research is needed to understand the plants full potential.

In the future, when you stop to admire the “flower-of-an-hour’ take a moment to admire its other attributes too.

Images credit: 
Wikipedia – Hibiscus trionum