Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii
(Torrey & A. Gray) Schery
Wax mallow, Miniature sleeping Hibiscus
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Summary
Source: WikipediaMalvaviscus arboreus is a species of flowering plant in the hibiscus family, Malvaceae, that is native to the American South, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The specific name, arboreus, refers to the tree-like appearance of a mature plant. It is now popular in cultivation and goes by many English names including wax mallow, Turk's cap (mallow), Turk's turban, sleeping hibiscus, manzanilla, manzanita (de pollo), ladies teardrop and Scotchman's purse; many of these common names refer to other, in some cases unrelated, plants. Its flowers do not open fully and help attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Description
A small weak shrub. It grows 3-4 m tall. It has oval leaves with teeth around the edge. The leaves are 5-8 cm long. They are finely hairy underneath. The flowers are red. They are folded in a spiral like an umbrella. They are 4-5 cm long. The fruit is like an apple and 2.5 cm wide.
Edible Uses
The fruit is edible.
Distribution
It is a warm temperate plant. It can grow with moderate moisture or in fairly dry conditions. It can grow in a fairly poor but well-drained soil. It needs full sun. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.
Where It Grows
Asia, Hawaii, Indochina, Mexico, North America, Pacific, SE Asia, Thailand, USA,
Notes
There are 6 Malvaviscus species. They occur in tropical America.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Amapola, Manzanita
References (9)
- Altschul, S.V.R., 1973, Drugs and Foods from Little-known Plants. Notes in Harvard University Herbaria. Harvard Univ. Press. Massachusetts. no. 2753
- Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 29:215. 1942
- Desert Survivors Online Plant Database
- Illustrated Flora of Central Texas p 815
- Llamas, K.A., 2003, Tropical Flowering Plants. Timber Press. p 258
Show all 9 references Hide references
- Loughmiller, C & L., 1985, Texas Wildflowers. A Field Guide. University of Texas, Austin. p 162 (As Malvaviscus drummondii)
- McMakin, P.D., 2000, Flowering Plants of Thailand. A Field Guide. White Lotus. p 29
- Segura, S., et al, 2018, The edible fruit species in Mexico. Genet Resour Crop Evol (2018) 65:1767–1793
- Staples, G.W. and Herbst, D.R., 2005, A tropical Garden Flora. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. p 391
