Turk's cap
Malvaviscus arboreus
The flowers never fully open, earning it the name 'Sleeping Hibiscus'; this structural trait ensures only long-tongued pollinators like hummingbirds can reach the nectar.
- Scientific name
- Malvaviscus arboreus
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Malvales › Malvaceae › Malvaviscus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Forest edges, thickets, and limestone-rich soils in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
- Range
- Mexico, Central America, Gulf Coast USA, West Indies
- Size
- 1 to 3 meters in height
- Lifespan
- 10-25 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Urban development and habitat fragmentation, though it remains resilient in cultivation.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. The flowers and fruit are edible and have a mild, sweet flavor similar to apples. It is safe to touch and observe. Keep a respectful distance if hummingbirds are present so they may feed undisturbed.
Malvaviscus arboreus is a species of flowering plant in the hibiscus family, Malvaceae, that is native to the Southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The specific name, arboreus , refers to the tree-like appearance of a mature plant. It is now popular in cultivation and goes by many English names including Turkcap , Turk's turban , wax mallow , ladies teardrop and Scotchman's purse . Its flowers do not open fully and help attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Photo: Douglas Goldman, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
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