Sphaeralcea

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Sphaeralcea
Sphaeralcea ambigua 4.jpg
Desert globemallow
Sphaeralcea ambigua
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Subfamily: Malvoideae
Tribe: Malveae
Genus: Sphaeralcea
A.St.-Hil. [1]
Species

40-60, see text

Sphaeralcea is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae).

Contents

Distribution

There are about 40-60 species, including annuals, perennials, and shrubs. Most originate in the drier regions of North America, with some known from South America.

Taxonomy

They are commonly known as globemallows, globe mallows, false mallows or falsemallows. The name of the genus is derived from the Greek words σφαῖρα (sphaira), meaning "sphere," and αλκεα (alkea), meaning "mallow." [2]

The leaves of these plants are spirally arranged, and usually palmate or toothed. Both stems and leaves are downy. Like other Malvaceae, the flowers are saucer- or cup-shaped, with the stamens joined into a column in the center.

Sphaeralcea species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Schinia olivacea , which has been recorded on S. lindheimeri.

Selected species

Munro's globemallow
Sphaeralcea munroana Globemallow.jpg
Munro's globemallow
Sphaeralcea munroana
Copper globemallow
Sphaeralcea angustifolia Hierba del negro (Sphaeralcea angustifolia), abril.jpg
Copper globemallow
Sphaeralcea angustifolia

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References

  1. "Genus: Sphaeralcea A. St.-Hil". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 2007-03-12. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  2. Quattrocchi, Umberto (2000). CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names. Vol. IV R-Z. Taylor & Francis US. p. 2529. ISBN   978-0-8493-2678-3.
  3. "Sphaeralcea". Integrated Taxonomic Information System . Retrieved 2011-08-01.
  4. 1 2 "GRIN Species Records of Sphaeralcea". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original on 2000-11-19. Retrieved 2011-08-01.