False Shamrock

It is native to several countries in southern South America. The edible leaves and flowers are gathered from the wild and consumed locally. The plant is often grown as an ornamental.

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Grows amongst rocks by streams at elevations of about 600 m around Rio de Janeiro. Easily grown in a sandy soil in a warm dry position in sun or light shade. Grows well in a dry shady corner. 

• Roots - Fiber roots are up to 5 cm long and 15 mm wide.
• Umbi - look like small pinecones and are immature.
• Leaves - three foliate and petiole measuring 5-15 cm. The leaves are in the shape of an inverted triangle. Sessile leaves with a dark purple and glossy appearance.
• Flowers - pale pink. 

• Propagated by seeds - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
• By division - Larger divisions can be planted out directly into their permanent positions.

Anthocyanin acetate called malvidin, oxalic acid.

• Relieves fever discomfort.
• Helps urinary tract infections, canker sores or boils.
• Ointment for cuts, scrapes, rashes, and skin infections.  
• Has antimicrobial properties, broad spectrum antibacterial against bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium.