Sphaeralcea leptophylla Family: Malvaceae – Mallow Family Sphaeralcea is the only genus from this family represented at Arches National Park; Perennial herbs from taproots or rhizomes; usually hairy; mucilaginous stems; 7.9” to 1.8' (2 to 5.5 dm) tall Leaves: alternate; simple; lobed; entire; 0.4” to 1.28” (10 to 32 mm) long Flowers: 5 orange or reddish distinct petals; 5 united lobed sepals; styles 5 to numerous; numerous stamens joined by their stalks into a tube; several pistils united in a ring; bisexual; flowers radially symmetrical; petals 0.32” to 0.48” (8 to 12 mm) long Pollinators: bees; sometimes bees of the genus Diadaysia can be found curled up in the flowers in the morning Fruits: schizocarp Blooms in Arches National Park: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities; can be found in the Morrison Formation, Entrada Sandstone, Carmel Formation, Navajo Sandstone, Kayenta Formation, Chinle Formation, Moenkopi Formation and Cutler Formation Location seen: widespread Other: The genus name, “Sphaeralcea”, is from “sphaira” which means “globe” and “alcea” which is the name of a related genus (hollyhock), thus referring to the spherical fruits. The species name, “leptophylla”, means “with slender leaves” describing the lobes on this plant's leaves. Cotton and okra (Hibiscus) are in this family. |
Last updated: February 4, 2023