Globemallow

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iGlobemallow
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Malvales Family: Malvaceae Genus: Sphaeralcea A.St.-Hil.
Species
Sphaeralcea ambigua Sphaeralcea angustifolia Sphaeralcea bonariensis Sphaeralcea coccinea Sphaeralcea emoryi Sphaeralcea fendleri Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia Sphaeralcea hastulata Sphaeralcea lindheimeri Sphaeralcea munroana Sphaeralcea nutans Sphaeralcea obtusiloba Sphaeralcea philippiana Sphaeralcea subhastata

The globemallows are members of the genus Sphaeralcea (or Iliamna) in the mallow family (Malvaceae). 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. Other names include globe mallow and false mallow.

The leaves of these plants are spirally arranged, and usually palmate or toothed. Both stems and leaves are downy. Like other mallows, 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.