Hibiscus & Malvaceae: Robinsonella cordataHibiscus 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

Friday, April 03, 2009

Robinsonella cordata

Robinsonella cordata with stunning lavender-blue flowers

Robinsonella cordata | Heartleaf Robinsonella, Tree Mallow

There are approximately 21 species in this genus, named after Dr. B.L. Robinson, Curator of Harvard's Gray Herbarium in the 1890s. Robinsonella cordata is a central American tree up to 13m tall, found in various locations from southern Mexico to Guatemala. It can be found growing naturally in gullies mainly in deciduous and mixed forests, at elevations up to 1900m. The small lavender flowers (sometimes more pale to white) are borne in clusters, usually from February through April in the natural range.

Historical Information: Robinsonella cordata was originally introduced to California by an Italian horticulturalist named Francesco Franceschi who obtained seed from Guatemala. In 1893, Franceschi established a nursery in Santa Barbara, that specialized in the introduction exotic plants to California —there may even still be a Robinsonella tree at Franceschi Park in Santa Barbara.

Robinsonella cordata
A rare pink-flowered form grown from seed.

Historical Reference: Robinsonella cordata. Specimens representing this species were collected by Professor C. Conzatti on the hacienda de Guadalupe, Oaxaca, Mexico, altitude 1600m., December 6, 1908. Professor Conzatti's specimens are in full flower, but the leaves are not entirely expanded, thus giving at first glance a very different appearance from the type specimens secured by Dr. Pringle in 1895. In all essential characters there is exact correspondence. This collection records a second known locality for this very distinct and showy species.

   Publication By Field Columbian Museum
   Published by The Museum, 1916

Historical Reference: Robinsonella cordata. (Rebsamenia arborea) Conzatti. Dr. T. H. Kearney recently wrote to the senior author of the present paper, inquiring about the identity of the genus Rebsamenia, which, although described as a tree, is not mentioned in Trees and Shrubs of Mexico, having been overlooked by the author. As described, Rebsamenia consisted of a single species, based upon a collection by V. Gonzalez and C. Conzatti from Cerro de San Felipe, Oaxaca, Mexico, March 7, 1898. Conzatti's description is sufficiently ample, its most significant phrases indicating that the plant described is a tree and that its flowers are blue, which among Mexican Malvaceae can apply only to the genus Robinsonella, described by Rose and Baker in 1897. In her excellent monograph of Robinsonella (Journ. Arnold Arb. 12: 49. 1931) Mrs. Eva M. Fling Rousch does not mention Rebsamenia, but it is clear that this is referable to Robinsonella cordata, which is cited there (p. 58) as having been collected on Cerro de San Felipe by Gonzalez and Conzatti March 7, 1898 (no. 671). This no. 671 is doubtless the type collection of Rebsamenia cordata

   Studies of Central American Plants VII
   Published by Paul C. Standley
   October 22, 1947

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• Hibiscus and other Malvaceae •

Friday, April 03, 2009

Robinsonella cordata

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