Hibiscus & Malvaceae: Pavonia candidaHibiscus malvaceae

• Hibiscus and other Malvaceae •

CULTIVATION • CONSERVATION • EDUCATION

Hibiscus and other Malvaceae: The genus Hibiscus is part of the Malvaceae, a taxonomic family that comprises thousands of species. Some members of this family possess considerable economic value, such as some Gossypium species (Cotton), while others are used as food sources, such as Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra), and Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle), used in jams and teas. Some species are used as fiber sources for jute and rope making, like Hibiscus cannabinus (Kenaf), and various Corchorus species (Jute). From times past (but perhaps to a lesser degree now), others supplied durable timber for woodworking, like some Talipariti and Thespesia species, and Hibiscus campylosiphon, an impressive tree from the Philippines.

Despite the undeniable value of the above-mentioned species, the worldwide fascination with the Malvaceae is credited to the unparalleled popularity of one of this family's most ornamental members, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars are the result of crosses (both ancient and modern) between a limited number of species (from Lilibiscus ―a section of the genus Hibiscus containing about 10 species), the majority coming from the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific. This complex hybrid group was derived from a number of species that included most if not all of the following: Hibiscus arnottianus, Hibiscus boryanus, Hibiscus denisonii, Hibiscus fragilis, Hibiscus genevii, Hibiscus kokio, Hibiscus liliiflorus, Hibiscus schizopetalus, and Hibiscus storckii. Sadly, nearly all of these (as well as numerous other Malvaceae species) are now considered extinct or facing extinction in their natural habitats. For additional information on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars, go to the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis page.

The biological diversity (biodiversity) of our planet is rapidly decreasing in great part due to the direct and indirect consequences of human activity. Ironically, it is also through human activity and intervention that threatened and endangered species are offered their best chances for survival. Thankfully, in recent years, there has been increasing awareness regarding the profound importance of earth's biodiversity linked with the critically urgent necessity for human action to safeguard it. In the Biblical book of Genesis, we read "and the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it", (Gen 2:15), conferring on humankind a role as Earth's primary caretaker. This 'tending, guarding and keeping' is best defined as having responsibility for the care and protection of the earth (stewardship), and affirms our commission for the wellbeing of this planet's vast community of life. Ultimately, stewardship of the earth, and conservation of its ecosystems is the responsibility of all people, not merely that of national governments.

The main strategies for conserving species are commonly referred to as ex situ conservation (out of the natural habitat) and in situ conservation (within the natural habitat). Ex situ conservation is accomplished through the efforts of botanical gardens, educational institutions, private gardens, and even seed banks. Although ex situ conservation is regarded as complementary to in situ conservation, in some situations it is the only option, ―the last resort when in situ conservation is no longer possible due to habitat loss and destruction. Some of the plants presented on these pages have suffered that fate and are currently classified as extinct, threatened or endangered in their natural habitats. In order to ensure their continued survival, an applied approach of 'cultivation, conservation and education' must be promoted. It is for this purpose that the entries found on this site are offered. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, especially in regard to errors.

Concerning the Historical References listed throughout these pages, please keep in mind that portions of the infomation presented may be outdated or incorrect. In addition, any dietary or medical information should be regarded as anecdotal. These references are included simply because they offer a glimpse of the horticultural history that is attached to many of these extraordinary plants. ―GB

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Pavonia candida

Pavonia candida | White Pavonia, Pavonie Blanche, Lirio

Pavonia candida is a large shrub from central Mexico (found in Coahuila, Queretaro, Jalisco, and Michoacan). It has previously been known as Malvaviscus candidus and Malvaviscus pringlei. It grows to 6m high, with showy white flowers that bloom from July to October in its native Central America. The mildly fragrant blooms have a pronounced staminal column that rivals that of hibiscus arnottianus in size. It is not uncommon for two buds to appear at branch tips, and open at the same time, (as seen in the photo below). Although it has potential as an ornamental, the species is scarce in its natural range and is vulnerable to extinction. Like all Pavonia, the fruit has five mericarps, in this case each mericarp is hard (woody, almost bony), so that a hammer is needed to crack it to remove the single seed. The common name "Lirio" (Lily) originates from Sinaloa, in reference to the pure white blooms resemblance to a lily.

Reference: Lirio (Malvaviscus candidus o Malvaviscus grandiflorus). Procedencia: Se cultiva en macetas en los patios de las casas de Santa Ana y florea todo el tiempo.

Translation: Lirio (Malvaviscus candidus o Malvaviscus grandiflorus). Origin: It is grown in pots in the courtyards of the houses in Santa Ana where it is always blooming.

  Conocimientos y prácticas médicas en una comunidad campesina
  Patricia Palacios de Westendarp
  Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, 1986

Historical Reference: Malvaviscus pringlei. A shrub fully 6m high; with leaves 15 to 18cm long; flowers very large and showy; petals 7.5cm long, white; stamen tubes nearly 15cm long, extending fully 7.5cm beyond the petals. Collected along a garden fence in a little village between Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, and Colotlan, Jalisco, August 28, 1897. This very showy plant has only once before been collected, and then from the state of Michoacan. I saw only a single plant, and supposed at the time it had been planted, as it was growing on the edge of a garden. I have partly characterized the plants as above in order to bring out certain unpublished characters, as well as to show that the size of the flowers and leaves is even greater than was at first supposed. This is by far the most showy plant of the geuns which I have yet seen from Mexico.

   Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, Volume 30, Issue 1
   United States. Dept. of Agriculture
   Government Printing Office, 1901

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• Hibiscus and other Malvaceae •

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Pavonia candida

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