Malvaceae
Systematic Postion
Class: Dicotyledoneae, Subclass: Polypetalae, Series:
thalamiflorae, Order: Malvales, Family Malvaceae
Habit
Mostly trees like Hibiscus elatus, Shrubs like H.
rosasinesis, Herbs like Sida rhombifolia
Leaf: Simple
alternate, stipulate, petiolate, Ovate or cordate, reticulate venation.
Inflorescence:
Solitary, Axillary, or raceme
Flower: Bisexual,
actinopmorphic, hypogynous, pentamerous, bracteate and bracteolate. Bracteoles
form a calyx like whorl as epicalyx.
Calyx: Sepals 5;
United, Valavate aestivation
Corolla: Petals
5, polypetalous, twisted aestivation, basal region of petals fuse with stamina
tube
Androecium:
Indefinite/numerous stamen, filaments are fused to form a tube around the
pistil (Monadelphous condition), Anthers monothecous, extrorse, reniform and dorsifixed
Gynoecium: Pentacarpellary, Syncarpous, Hypogynous, Axile
placentation , style single,
branched in upper portion, with discoid or capitates stigma.
Fruit: Loculicidal Capsule (Hibiscus, Gossypium), Berry (
Malvaviscus), Schizocarpic (Sida)
Common plants: Abutilon,
Abelmoscus esculentus (Ladie’s Finger), Thepesia
