Turk's-cap
Malvaviscus arboreus Dill. ex Cav.
Malvaviscus arboreus is a flowering plant in the Malvaceae family, native to the American South, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The specific epithet 'arboreus' refers to the tree-like appearance of mature plants. It is cultivated and has several English common names, including Turk's-cap and wax mallow. The flowers do not fully open and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Description
Malvaviscus arboreus, described by Dill. ex Cav. in 1787, is found in regions including Antioquia, Arauca, Atlántico, Bolívar, and other areas in South America, as well as in parks such as Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Los Yariguíes and Parque Nacional Natural Macuira. It is also reported in global locations such as Kruger National Park, the Galápagos Islands, and Zacapa. The plant is known for its partially closed flowers, which serve as a nectar source for pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. It is cultivated in various regions and has multiple common names, some of which are shared with unrelated species.
Other common names
Wax mallowTurk's-cap
Distribution
Atlántico: Finca El Palomar, Bolívar: Hacienda El Ceibal · Antioquia, Arauca, Atlántico, Bolívar, Caquetá, Cesar, Chocó, Córdoba, Cundinamarca, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, San Andrés y Providencia, Santander, Sucre, Tolima · BR · Piojó · Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Los Yariguíes | Parque Nacional Natural Paramillo | Parque Nacional Natural Macuira · ZA · BN · CK · CD · TD · Zacapa Finca Palmares de Zacapa · El Carmen de Chucurí | San Vicente de Chucurí · RW · IN · AU · Kruger National Park · Galápagos Islands · San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, Cesar, Sucre · TW · Global · Jardín Botánico de Bogotá · Bogotá · MH · SV · HN · GT · TO · Tongatapu · Bogotá, D.C. · conterminous 48 United States
Synonyms
Malvaviscus pentacarpusMalvaviscus coccineusMalvaviscus malvaviscusAchania coccineaAchania malvaviscusHibiscus malvaviscus