Mallow

Mallow, common name for a family comprising about 80 genera and 1500 species of herbs, shrubs, and some trees, and for its representative genus. Well-known members of the family are the hollyhock, the marshmallow, hibiscus, and okra. Cotton, and the potherb roselle are also members of the mallow family.

The family belongs to a mostly woody order found throughout the temperate and tropical parts of the world. Five families and about 3500 species constitute the order, the members of which characteristically have fibrous stems and mucilaginous juice. The floral whorls (calyx and corolla) are present in groups of five, and the segments (sepals and petals) are free from one another. The sepals are typically valvate (meeting edge to edge) in bud, and the numerous stamens (male flower parts) are often fused at the base or along their entire length into a staminal tube.

The linden family, with about 450 species, is a member of the order and produces important timbers and jute. The baobab family is a tropical member of the order, with about 200 species. This family contains balsa, from which is obtained the world's lightest timber; kapok (see Ceiba), used in upholstery and life jackets; and durian, which produces an edible fruit also named durian. The cacao family, with about 1000 species, contains the source of kola nuts. Chocolate, cocoa, and cocoa butter are obtained from cacao, another member of this family. The elaecarpus family contains about 400 species of tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs.

Scientific classification: Mallows make up the family Malvaceae of the order Malvales. The representative genus of the family is Malva. The hollyhock is classified as Alcea rosea, and the marshmallow as Althaea officinalis. Hibiscus are classified in the genus Hibiscus. Okra is classified as Abelmoschus esculentus. Cottons are classified in the genus Gossypium. The potherb roselle is classified as Hibiscus sabdariffa. Balsa, classified as Ochroma lagopus, kapok, classified as Ceiba pentandra, and durian, classified as Durio zibethinus, belong to the family Bombacaceae.