Malvaviscus Explained

Malvaviscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. Common names for species in this genus include Turk's cap mallow, wax mallow, sleeping hibiscus, and mazapan. It belongs to a group of genera that differ from the closely related Hibiscus in possessing a fruit divided into 5 separate parts (a schizocarp), and having a style surmounted by 10, rather than 5, capitate or capitellate stigmas. Among those genera Malvaviscus is distinguished by having auriculate petals and red, fleshy fruits.The generic name is derived from the Latin words malva, meaning "mallow," and viscus, which means "sticky," referring to the mucilaginous sap produced by members of the genus.[1] The fruit can be used to make jelly or syrup. Both the fruit and flowers are used to make herbal teas.[2]

Selected species

Notes and References

  1. Book: Clay, Horace F. . Tropical Shrubs . James C. Hubbard . University of Hawaii Press . 1987 . 978-0-8248-1128-0 . 104.
  2. Web site: Dirt Doctor - Library Topics. www.dirtdoctor.com. May 19, 2023.
  3. Revista Brasileira de Zoologia 22 (1): 51–59, março 2005
  4. BIOTROPICA 34(1): 68–80
  5. Web site: Subordinate taxa of Malvaviscus Fabr. . TROPICOS . Missouri Botanical Database . 2009-12-16.
  6. Web site: Species Records of Malvaviscus . https://archive.today/20121212232956/http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/splist.pl?7218 . dead . 2012-12-12 . Germplasm Resources Information Network . United States Department of Agriculture . 2010-08-21 .