Status:
valid
Authors:
Baill.
Source:
tro
Year:
1885
Citation Micro:
Bull. Mens. Soc. Linn. Paris 1: 541 (1885)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001077430
Common Names
- Kosteletzkya thouarsiana
- Thouarsiana Kosteletzkya
- Giant Hibiscus
Description
Kosteletzkya thouarsiana (also called False Mallow, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It has a sprawling habit and can reach up to 1 meter in height. Its leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape and have a toothed margin. It grows in disturbed areas, roadsides, and waste places.
Uses & Benefits
Kosteletzkya thouarsiana is used as a medicinal plant, for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It is also used as a natural dye for fabrics and as a fertilizer for soil.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Kosteletzkya thouarsiana is white with a yellow center, and its seed is a small, dark brown capsule. The seedlings have a single stem with a pair of opposite leaves.
Where to Find Kosteletzkya thouarsiana
Kosteletzkya thouarsiana is native to Madagascar and is found in the eastern and western regions of the island.
Species in the Kosteletzkya genus
Kosteletzkya retrobracteata,
Kosteletzkya pentacarpos,
Kosteletzkya racemosa,
Kosteletzkya ramosa,
Kosteletzkya reflexiflora,
Kosteletzkya malvocoerulea,
Kosteletzkya reclinata,
Kosteletzkya grantii,
Kosteletzkya macrantha,
Kosteletzkya buettneri,
Kosteletzkya blanchardii,
Kosteletzkya borkouana,
Kosteletzkya depressa,
Kosteletzkya acuminata,
Kosteletzkya adoensis,
Kosteletzkya tubiflora,
Kosteletzkya wetarensis,
Kosteletzkya semota,
Kosteletzkya thurberi,
Kosteletzkya virginica,
Kosteletzkya diplocrater,
Kosteletzkya thouarsiana,
Kosteletzkya velutina,
Kosteletzkya madagascariensis,
Kosteletzkya begoniifolia,
Kosteletzkya flavicentrum,
Kosteletzkya hispidula,
Kosteletzkya batacensis,
Kosteletzkya rotundalata,
Species in the Malvaceae family
Abelmoschus angulosus,
Abelmoschus caillei,
Abelmoschus crinitus,
Abelmoschus esculentus,
Abelmoschus ficulneus,
Abelmoschus hostilis,
Abelmoschus magnificus,
Abelmoschus manihot,
Abelmoschus moschatus,
Abelmoschus muliensis,
Abelmoschus sagittifolius,
Abelmoschus enbeepeegearensis,
Abroma augustum,
Abutilon abutiloides,
Abutilon affine,
Abutilon alii,
Abutilon amplum,
Abutilon andrewsianum,
Abutilon andrieuxii,
Abutilon anglosomaliae,
Abutilon angulatum,
Abutilon anodoides,
Abutilon appendiculatum,
Abutilon arenarium,
Abutilon arequipense,
Abutilon auritum,
Abutilon austroafricanum,
Abutilon badium,
Abutilon balansae,
Abutilon bastardioides,
Abutilon benedictum,
Abutilon berlandieri,
Abutilon bidentatum,
Abutilon bracteosum,
Abutilon buchii,
Abutilon burandtii,
Abutilon bussei,
Abutilon californicum,
Abutilon calliphyllum,
Abutilon carinatum,
Abutilon coahuilae,
Abutilon commutatum,
Abutilon cryptopetalum,
Abutilon cuspidatum,
Abutilon densiflorum,
Abutilon dinteri,
Abutilon dispermum,
Abutilon divaricatum,
Abutilon dugesii,
Abutilon durandoi,