Common name: Sleepy Mallow, Ladies Teardrop, Wax Mallow
Malvaviscus arboreus Cav. APNI* Description: Erect shrub up to 5 m high; branches hairy distally
Leaves with petiole 35–70 mm long, with spreading white hairs; lamina ovate, 90–160 mm long, dark green; base more or less rounded; margin entire, slightly wavy; apex slightly acuminate; surface with scattered hairs.
Flowers axillary, solitary, pedicellate with pedicel 10–30 mm long. Calyx and epicalyx green; epicalyx 7–9, more or less linear; calyx tubular, 15–18 mm long. Corolla red, c. 55 mm long, inopened (remaining slightly closed over ovary); staminal tube surround style; styles 10.
Fruit fleshy, red, 10–30 mm diam.
Distribution and occurrence: Native to southeastern USA, Central America and South America. Usually an occasional garden escape in disturbed area., naturalised in North Coast. Popular as a cultivated plant.
NSW subdivisions: *NC
Text by B.J Conn (2011)
Taxon concept: Webb et al., (1988)
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data
***The AVH map option provides a detailed interactive Australia wide distribution map drawn from collections held by all major Australian herbaria participating in the Australian Virtual Herbarium project.
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