Scarlet Globemallow (Common Globemallow)
Sphaeralcea coccinea Family: Malvaceae - Mallow Family Sphaeralcea is the only genus from this family represented at Arches National Park; Perennial herbs from taproots or rhizomes; usually hairy; mucilaginous stems; 2.36” to 1.4' (0.6 to 4.2 dm) tall Leaves: alternate; simple; heart-shaped; toothed or lobed; 0.44” to 1.48” (1.1 to 3.7 cm) long; 0.48” to 2.08” (1.2 to 5.2 cm) wide Flowers: 5 distinct orange or reddish petals, 5 united lobed sepals; usually bisexual; styles 5 to numerous; numerous stamens joined by their stalks into a tube; several pistils united in a ring; flowers radially symmetrical; flowers 0.32” to 0.6” (8 to 15 mm) long Pollinators: bees (commonly of the genus Diadaysia); sometimes these bees can be found curled up in the flowers in the morning Fruits: schizocarp Blooms in Arches National Park: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub, grassland and pinyon-juniper communities Location seen: park road mile 5.5, Delicate Arch Viewpoint road Other: The genus name, “Sphaeralcea”, comes from “sphaira” which means “globe” and “alcea” which means “the name of a related genus – hollyhock, which is also in this family” and refers to the spherical fruits. The species name, “coccinea”, means “scarlet” and refers to the floral color. Cotton and okra (Hibiscus) are also in this family. |
Did You Know?
Lizards, including the colorful collared lizard, are one of the most frequently seen animals at Arches. When not chasing flies or basking in the sun, they are often seen doing what appears to be push-ups. This odd dance might enhance their stereoscopic vision, helping them see what's looking back at them.