Help ID'ing “Sour Leaf”

[omasciarotte]

Hey Chowhounds,

Stopped by a little farmer’s market in St. Paul yesterday, I think it was at the corner of N. Marion & St. Anthony. Not sure as I'm new here. Anyway, purchased some english pea-size bitter eggplant, some tiny purple & pink corn, and some "sour leaf." I need help identifying the sour leaf.; five lobed pointy leaves, medium green with purple veins, dark purple stems and sour taste, not as sour as sorrel.

Any ideas what this plant’s true name is or, at least a correct name in any language? The closest I've found is chin baung ywet [Burmese] or roselle, which seems to be a catchall name for a variety of species, including hibiscus.

Was too stupid to take a picture while it was fresh, but the attached gives you some idea of the color, 5 pointed leaf shape, etc.

[huiray]

Is this market in St Paul, Minnesota?
[Your profile says your location is San Francisco]

What was the nationality of the vendor at this stall? (It matters) If it was in St Paul, Minnesota - was he/she Laotian or Hmong? (Or Thai or Burmese...)
If it is Gongura, then you should also look at the link to "Roselle" in Jeri's Wiki link - i.e. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roselle_%28Plant%29 .
See these also:
http://www.bestoodles.com/2011/06/soursoup.html
http://www.hsaba.com/blog/food-and-travel/roselle-leaves
http://genuardis.net/chin/chin-baung.htm
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Roselle_%28plant%29

Were those pea-sized eggplants these?
http://www.thaitable.com/thai/ingredient/pea-eggplant
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_...

[Jeri L]

This maybe? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gongura

[omasciarotte]

Hi Jeri,

That was quick, I think you’ve got it! I can now do some more research. It has a very nice flavor, and it'll be fun to find out what traditional prep methods are out there…many thanks.