Lavatera
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 Lavatera thuringiaca
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Lavatera (syn. Anthema Medic., Axolopha Alef., Navaea Webb & Berth, Olbia Medic., Saviniona Webb & Berth., Steegia Steud., Stegia DC. [1]) is is a genus of about 25 species of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae, native to the Mediterranean region, central and eastern Asia, and Australia. A number of species previously listed in this genus have now been transferred to the related genus Malva.
The genus includes annual, biennial and perennial herbaceous plants and soft-wooded shrubs, growing from 1-3 m tall. The leaves are spirally arranged, and palmately lobed. The flowers are conspicuous, 4-12 cm diameter, with five white, pink or red petals; they are produced in terminal clusters.
Lavatera species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Bucculatrix lavaterella, which feeds exclusively on the plant.
- Species
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[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Malvaceae Info: The Lavatera pages
- Germplasm Resources Information Network: Lavatera
- Flora Europaea: Lavatera
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