Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii - Turks cap
Family Malvaceae
Description:
Three to six species of Malvaviscus are found in North and South America. These shrubs are closely related to hibiscus. The tubular red flowers are one to two inches long. They look like a partially closed hibiscus. These flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and large butterflies. Their white fruits are fleshy not a dry capsule as in hibiscus. This plant is sometimes classified as a distinct species, Malvaviscus drummondii.
Location:
See plants on the bank of pond 'H' behind building 6.
Size:
A medium-sized shrub to about five to eight feet tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun to part shade
Water: best in a moist soil
Soil: average garden soil
This variety has been reported as a native plant from Florida to Texas. In 2007, The Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants lists it as not native to Florida. It is a shrub about six to eight feet tall. It grows naturally in moist soils.