Malvaceae (Mallow Family)243 genera, 4,225 species

ClassificationsKingdom: PlantaeDivision: MagnoliophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: MalvalesFamily: Malvaceae

Description and How to Identify •Found in tropical and temperate regions•Flowering plants•Leaves are alternate•Stems contain canals•5 sepals, 5 petals•Pollinated by insects•Many stamens around pistil

Hibiscus Tillaceus

Gossypium Hirsutum(Cotton)

Theobroma Cacao(Cocoa)

Abelmoschus Esculentes(Okra)

Economic Uses•Aloe and for soothing sore throats.•Cotton is used to make many textile products (towels, robes, denim, etc.)•Cotton used for trade.•Okra and Cocoa are popular edible foods.