genus
Wax Mallow
Malvaviscus
Field notes
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.
The fruit can be used to make jelly or syrup. Both the fruit and flowers are used to make herbal teas.
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Range
Greener is more native, amber more introduced; paler is less certain. How this was decided
Key traits
- Layer
- Shrubs
From USDA PLANTS.
Top native wax mallow All
Native to the US, ranked by caterpillars, then bees and other hosts, food, flowers and shelter.
