[Rosids: Malvids]
Malvaceae (mallow family)
Pago (Hibiscus tileaceus)
On-line sources
Characteristics of the family
The Malvaceae often have large showy flowers. The most familiar examples are hibiscus and pago (both species of Hibiscus). Another example, better known for its fruit than its flowers, is okra.
The petals are often fused at the bottom forming a cup-like corolla, in the middle of which is a prominent column comprising the pistils and stamens. The stamens, of various lengths, are fused in a tube around the lower part of the pistils, and the pistils are also fused except at the ends, where they flare apart into separate stigmas. The base of the tube of stamens is fused to the petals, so the petals and stamens fall off together, leaving the sepals and carpels on the stem.
C. Lobban. 11/24/00