Malvacea – Part 3
Final part of the 3 part series looking at some of these Genus groups in the Malvacea.
Genus Hibiscus
In most species of this genus have an epicalyx – whorl of leaf like bracts that surrounds the sepals. Particularly common among those in this genera is the stamens are typically fused into a tube. They are temperate to tropical plants, often herbs or shrubs, with spiny pollen.
H. syriacus – One my favorite flowers – Rose of Sharon – pink chiffon !
H. sida or Sida fallax – flower
Also known as yellow ilima or golden mallow, is a species of herbaceous flowering plant indigenous to the Hawaiian Archipelago. Plants may be erect or prostrate and are found in drier areas in sandy soils, often near the ocean.
H. rosa-sinensis
Is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in the tropics and subtropics, but its native range is Vanuatu. !!!
The flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis are edible and are used in salads in the Pacific Islands. The flower is used to shine shoes in certain parts of India, hence the common name “shoeblack plant”.
The flower can also be used as a pH indicator. When used, the flower turns acidic solutions to a dark pink or magenta color and turns basic solutions to green.
Red hibiscus flowers are also used for worship; in Hinduism, they are used for the worship of Devi, and in the Bengal area of eastern India, they are used to worship Kali. The hibiscus also has an important part in tantra.
In china it has a number of medical uses. Traditional uses in China have been to make a black shoe-polish from its flower petals, or to make a woman’s black hair dye. The flowers are also used in parts of China to color various intoxicating liquors.
The plant may have some potential in cosmetic skin care; for example, an extract from the flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has been shown to function as an anti-solar agent by absorbing UV radiation.
H. moscheutos
One of the few cold-hardy Hibiscus. A perennial wetland plant that can grow in large colonies. The hairy leaves are of variable morphology, but are commonly deltoidal in shape with up to three lobes.
Native to wetlands and along the riverine systems of the eastern United States from Texas to the Atlantic states. Its territory extending northward to southern Ontario.
H. coccineus – White Texas flower
Found in swamps, marshes and ditches on the coastal plain of the Southeastern United States. It is native from Southeastern Virginia south to Florida, then west to Louisiana. Despite its common name Texas star, the plant is not found naturally in Texas.
In addition to the scarlet-flowering variety, a white-flowering variety is also known as the white Texas star or lone star hibiscus.
H. sabdariffa
A tea made from the dried calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa is known by many names around the world and is served both hot and cold. The beverage is famous for its brilliant red color, tart flavor, and vitamin C content.
Known as “Jamaica” in Mexico and “sorrel” or “roselle” in Jamaica. The plant is actually native to India. It can grow as an annual in all climates. The fleshy, red calyxes that surround the base of the flowers are what we brew to make sorrel – the drink we call hibiscus tea.
Genus Malva
Malva sylvestris
A vigorous plant with showy flowers of bright mauve-purple, with dark veins, standing 3–4 feet. The variety “zebrine” is an ornamental staple.
Genus Ochroma
Ochroma pyramidale
Balsa ! – a fast-growing tropical tree noted for its extremely lightweight and light colored wood. The wood has long been used in many commercial applications, such as model-building, packing, and insulation, and also in flotation devices.
Balsa is Spanish for “raft” or “float” – the seed fiber is used as stuffing for mattresses and cushions. Found from southern Mexico to Bolivia and is a common plant throughout much of its range.
Genus Theobroma
The generic name Theobroma is derived from the Greek for “food of the gods”; from θεός (theos), meaning ‘god’ or ‘divine’, and βρῶμα (broma), meaning ‘food’. Cacao is one of 26 species belonging to the genus Theobroma. Including Chocolate !
Theobroma cacao
The specific name cacao is the Hispanization of the name given to the plant in indigenous Mesoamerican languages. Kakaw in Tzeltal and Classic Maya, Kagaw in Sayula Popoluca, and Cacahuatl in Nahuatl – all meaning “bean of the cocoa-tree”.
Cacao flower on trunk
In the species T. cacao there are three varieties. They are Criollo, Forastero and Trinitario. There are also multiple hybrids exist of each strain. These hybrid strains are: Amelonado (melon like), Criollo (creole), Nacional (national), Contamana, Curaray, Cacao guiana, Iquitos, Marañon, Nanay, and Purús.
Lots of different type of chocolate !
Genus Tilia
Row of Linden trees
Tilia’s 23 species grow in north temperate regions. Certain Tilia species are often planted along streets for their beautifully scented flowers. They are also grown for their valuable wood.
In Spain and many former Spanish colonies the flowers are collected and dried to make a tea for stomach ailments.
Tilia americana flowers
Linden or basswood trees in the United States (lime trees in England) are a large, graceful, deciduous tree, reaching 130 feet. The asymmetrical leaves are heart-shaped and coarsely toothed. T. americana is the most common.
That’s all Folks !
I hope you enjoyed our three part series on the Malvacea Family
Remember
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Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBA
All photographs used with permission @SHUTTERSTOCK
