The Malvaceae Family, or the mallows, contains 4300 varieties of flowering plants and includes okra, cotton, hibiscus, durian, and cacao. Although there are some trees in this family, most of the members of this group are herbs or shrubs. Leaves and stems are commonly hairy, and flowers are usually star-shaped, or “radially” symmetrical, sporting 5 petals and stamens. Plants in the mallow family are usually found in the tropics and thrive in hotter, more humid environments.
« Back to Glossary Index