Hibiscus & Malvaceae: Lavatera olbia 'Lilac Lady'Hibiscus 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, June 03, 2009

Lavatera olbia 'Lilac Lady'

Lavatera olbia 'Lilac Lady' | Tree Mallow

Tree Mallows form large upright bushes with wands of hollyhock-like flowers throughout the warmer months. Lavatera 'Lilac Lady' is more of a woody shrub, but can be cut back after flowering to increase bushiness. Small pale-violet flowers with darker veining bloom from sping into fall. The effect is more reserved than the pink flowered cultivars. Plants need to be staked in windy areas. Native to the hills and thickets of Europe and western Russia.

Reference: Do you have Lavatera 'Lilac Lady'? If you feel some of the rosy-pink lavateras a bit overdone ―poor plants, it's our fault if we feel that way- then you might like to try it. Just now with renewed growth with cooler weather, all my Lavatera make a most welcoming entrance to the garden ―as do several bushes I enjoy when I drive through the village. But Lavatera 'Lilac Lady' is more upright, with less vigorous growth. Its narrow, maple-shaped leaves are felted grey-green, with smaller, flat-faced flowers about 5cm (2in) across, are translucent, silk-textured and pale lilac-blue, held in upright spires. Last year I was not too impressed, but this second year they have made handsome, shapely bushes, and are still in flower long after the colony of purple atriplex seeded beside them has gone.

   Dear friend & gardener: letters on life and gardening
   By Beth Chatto, Christopher Lloyd
   Published by frances lincoln ltd, 1998

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• Hibiscus and other Malvaceae •

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Lavatera olbia 'Lilac Lady'

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