Alcea L.

1 species naturalized Aust.; NSW

*Alcea rosea L.

Biennial herb up to 3 m high. Leaves c. 20 cm wide, 3–7-lobed, palmately veined, margins toothed. Upper leaves smaller than lower. Epicalyx with 6 connate bracteoles, 6–10 mm long. Sepals triangular 10 mm long. Petals white, pink or purple, 4 cm long. Fruit a schizocarp with more than 15 indehiscent mericarps. Mericarps with a central groove. An occasional garden escape near habitation. Introd. from Europe. Hollyhock