| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Type: Eudicots-Rosids II
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae + Tiliaceae
Family Common Name: Mallow Family
Genera: Abutilon, Alcea, Gossypium, Hibiscus, Malva, Napaea,
Tilia |
Defining Features: Flowers
are often associated with conspicuous bracts that form epicalyx.
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Inflorescences are various, usually determinate with terminal
flower. Flowers bisexual or unisexual and often actinomorphic with conspicuous
bracts that form an epicalyx. Calyx is valvate, connate with nectary at
the base inside. Petals are 5, contorted and individually are adnate to
stamen column. Stamens are many, centrifugal. Filaments are connate into
a tube surrounding the pistil. Ovaries are superior and often with axile
placentation. Fruit and Seed Features: Dicotyledon. Fruit a schizocarp
or loculicidal capsule, samaras, drupe and rarely a berry. Endosperms are
often starchy. Seeds are often hairy. Embryo is present. Vegetative Features:
Habit as herbs, lianas, shrubs or trees. Leaves alternate, simple or palmately
compound and stipulate. Leaves have toothed or lobed margins.
Distribution: Cosmopolitan.
They are mostly in tropical and temperate regions.
Economic Use: As source of
food plants, timber, fibers and garden ornamentals.
Number of Genera Globally:
204
Number of Species Globally:
2,330
