Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Malvales Juss. ex Bercht. & J.Presl
 Subordinate Taxa
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Malvaceae
Synonymy:
  • = Sterculiaceae
  • = Bombacaceae
  • = Tiliaceae
 Description

Herbs, shrubs or trees, with mucilaginous juice, often with stellate hairs. Lvs alternate, usually simple, entire or palmately lobed, divided or toothed, stipulate. Fls usually ☿, rarely unisexual, regular, in axillary or terminal fascicles, cymes, spikes, racemes, or panicles, or axillary and solitary. Calyx usually 5-, rarely 3-merous, variously united, sometimes subtended by a whorl of free or united bracts (epicalyx). Petals 5, free. Stamens numerous; filaments united into a staminal column; anthers 1-locular by division. Ovary (1)–2-many-, often 5-locular; style branches as many as or twice ovules; ovules 1 or more per loculus, erect or pendulous. Fr. usually dry (rarely fleshy), capsular or schizocarpic, dehiscent or not, and separating or remaining attached to axis.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Number of species and named hybrids in New Zealand within Malvaceae
CategoryNumber
Indigenous (Endemic)10
Indigenous (Non-endemic)2
Exotic: Fully Naturalised22
Exotic: Casual17
Total51
 Bibliography
Connor, H.E. 1977: The Poisonous Plants in New Zealand. Edition 2. Government Printer, Wellington.
Cronquist, A. 1988: The evolution and classification of flowering plants. The New York Botanic Gardens, New York.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.