Small-leaf Globemallow (Small-leaved Globemallow)
Sphaeralcea parvifolia 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; 7.87” to 3.3' (2 to 10 dm) tall Leaves: alternate; simple; kidney or heart-shaped; shallowly lobed; toothed; 0.6” to 2.2” (1.5 to 5.5 cm) long; 0.48” to 2.08” (1.2 to 5.2 cm) wide Flowers: 5 distinct petals, 5 united lobed sepals; usually bisexual; orange or reddish; styles 5 to numerous; numerous stamens joined by their stalks into a tube; several pistils united in a ring; flowers radially symmetrical; petals 0.28” to 0.6” (7 to 15 mm) long Pollinators: bees; sometimes bees of the genus Diadaysia 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 and pinyon-juniper communities Location seen: widespread along park road, around Visitor Center area Other: The genus name, “Sphaeralcea”, is from “sphaira” which means “globe” and “alcea” which is the name of a related genus (hollyhock), thus referring to the spherical fruits. The species name, “parvifolia”, means “small-leaved”. Cotton and okra (Hibiscus) are in this family. |
Did You Know?
Once feared of becoming extinct, desert bighorn sheep are making a tentative comeback in southeast Utah due to reintroduction efforts by the National Park Service. There are roughly 50 sheep in Arches, and animals are often sighted near the visitor center. More...