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Malvaviscus arborous
Malvaviscus arboreus is a species of flowering plant in the hibiscus family, Malvaceae, that is native to the Southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The specific name, arboreus, refers to the tree-like appearance of a mature plant. It is now popular in cultivation and goes by many English names including Turkcap, Turk's Turban, Wax Mallow, Ladies Teardrop and Scotchman's Purse. Its flowers do not open fully and help attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
An example occurrence of M. arboreus is within the coastal Petenes mangroves of the Yucatan region of Mexico, in which plant community it is a subdominant species. M. arboreus is the primary host plant for the caterpillars of the Turk's-cap White-Skipper (Heliopetes macaira).
Varieties Malvaviscus arboreus var. arboreus Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (Torr. & A.Gray) Schery (= Malvaviscus drummondii Torr. & A.Gray) Malvaviscus arboreus var. mexicanus Schltdl.
Spotted on Jun 3, 2011
Submitted on Jul 1, 2011
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