Malvaceae - Family, Classification, Floral Formula
Krati Saraswat12 Aug, 2025
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Malvaceae: The Malvaceae, commonly known as the mallow family, comprises a diverse array of flowering plants, with approximately 4,225 species distributed among 244 genera. Well-known members of this botanical family include hibiscus, okra, cotton, and cacao.
Plants within the Malvaceae family exhibit a variety of growth forms, including herbs, shrubs, and trees. They are characterized by stellate trichomes, an epicalyx, and a valvate calyx. The corolla typically displays a convolute arrangement, and the stamens are often fused into a tube or organized into 5–∞ bundles.One notable member of the Malvaceae family is the baobab tree, which is valued in Africa for its medicinal and nutritional properties. Various parts of the baobab plant are utilized in the treatment of malaria, diarrhea, fever, inflammation, as well as kidney and bladder ailments. The article below contains details about floral formula of Malvaceae, floral diagram of Malvaceae, Malvaceae family plants list, and more, which are important topics in the NEET Biology Syllabus and often appear in NEET Biology Diagrams.
Malvaceae Family
Malvaceae is a plant family that includes various species such as mallows, Hibiscus, and monkshood, belonging to the order Malvales. This family is known to comprise over 4,000 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees. Plants in the Malvaceae family typically have simple, alternate leaves with stipules that are palmately veined. The flowers are bisexual and exhibit actinomorphic characteristics. The perianth consists of five sepals that are either valvate or basally connate, along with five distinct petals attached to the androecium.
The androecium contains numerous monadelphous stamens with filaments that diverge apically and onecelled anthers. The gynoecium features a single compound pistil with two types of carpels, an equal number of styles, and a superior ovary containing two types of locules, each housing one type of ovule. The fruits of Malvaceae plants include loculicidal capsules, schizocarps, berries, and samaras.
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
Malvaceae Floral Formula and Diagram
The Malvaceae family floral formula is ♀ K5 C5 A∞ G(5). In a floral formula, the symbols represent different parts of the flower, such as K for the calyx, C for the corolla, A for androecium, and G for gynoecium. The numbers following these symbols indicate the quantity of each part. For example, K5 means there are five sepals in the calyx, C5 indicates five petals in the corolla, A(5+5) represents the androecium with 5 fused stamens and 5 free stamens, and G(5) signifies a gynoecium with 5 fused carpels.
The Malvaceae floral diagram visually represents this floral structure, highlights the radial symmetry and arrangement of floral parts, which is an important topic in NEET Biology Diagrams and important for answering NEET Biology MCQ related to flower structure.
Here's an example of a floral formula for a specific genus within the Malvaceae family: Hibiscus Rosasinensis: K5 Ca5 Co5 A∞ G5. This formula indicates that Hibiscus rosasinensis has five bracts, five separate sepals, five separate petals, numerous stamens, and a pistil with five fused carpels.
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Classification of Malvaceae
The Malvaceae family, also known as the mallow family, is a diverse group of flowering plants. Here is a general classification of the Malvaceae family:- Kingdom: Plantae (plants)
- Clade: Angiosperms (flowering plants)
- Clade: Eudicots
- Order: Malvales
- Family: Malvaceae
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Malvaceae Other Name
Malvaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as the mallow family. The family includes around 244 genera and over 4,225 known species, making it one of the largest families of flowering plants. Plants in this family are known for their diverse forms, including herbs, shrubs, and trees, and are found in various habitats worldwide.Characteristics of Malvaceae
The Malvaceae, commonly referred to as the mallow family, constitutes a vast and varied group of flowering plants comprising over 1,000 species distributed worldwide. Some of the most recognizable members of this family include hibiscus, cotton, and okra. The following are key characteristics of Malvaceae:Malvaceae Inflorescence
The inflorescence of plants within the Malvaceae family, encompassing species such as hibiscus, hollyhocks, and cotton, displays notable diversity.Malvaceae Family Examples
The Malvaceae family, also known as the mallow family, includes several well-known plants. Some examples of plants in the Malvaceae family are:- Hibiscus: Known for its large, showy flowers, often discussed in the context of the floral formula of Malvaceae.
- Alcea (Hollyhock): Tall and stately, hollyhocks are known for their spires of colourful flowers.
- Malva (Mallow): This genus includes several species of plants known for their small, delicate flowers.
- Abutilon (Chinese Lantern): These plants are grown for their bell-shaped flowers and attractive foliage.
- Gossypium (Cotton): The cotton plant is an economically important member of the Malvaceae family, valued for its fiber.
This Malvaceae family plants list is important for students preparing for the NEET Biology Notes section on important plant families.
Malvaceae Monocot Or Dicot
The Malvaceae family, which includes plants like hibiscus, hollyhocks, cotton, and durian, is categorized as a dicotyledon, or dicot. Dicots are flowering plants that typically possess two seed leaves (cotyledons) in their seeds, leaf veins that form a net-like pattern, and flower parts that occur in multiples of either four or five. In contrast, monocots have just one seed leaf, parallel leaf veins, and flower parts that occur in multiples of three. Recent changes in plant classification have led to the dicot and monocot terms no longer being recognised as formal taxonomic groups. Nonetheless, the distinction between these two groups remains beneficial for understanding the fundamental differences in plant structure and growth.Malvaceae Importance
The Malvaceae, commonly known as the mallow family, is a significant botanical family comprising many flowering plants. This family boasts over 4,200 species spanning 244 genera, with a global distribution across tropical and temperate regions (Wikipedia Malvaceae). The importance of the Malvaceae family can be attributed to several key factors:- Fibers: Malvaceae plants yield some of the world's most crucial natural fibers, such as cotton, jute, and kenaf. Cotton, particularly, is a pivotal global commodity extensively used in textile and apparel production.
- Food: Many Malvaceae species are cultivated for their edible parts. Notable examples include okra, cacao (used in chocolate production), and durian. Okra is a popular vegetable, while cacao is the source of chocolate. Durian, despite its pungent aroma, is highly esteemed for its rich taste and creamy texture in Southeast Asia.
- Beverages: The kola nut, derived from the Cola genus within the Malvaceae family, is a common ingredient in beverages in Africa due to its caffeine content.
- Timber: Certain Malvaceae species are valuable sources of timber. Examples include balsa, known for its lightweight properties, and Triplochiton, a hardwood often used in furniture crafting.
- Ornamentals: Many Malvaceae plants are cultivated for their attractive flowers, including hibiscus, hollyhocks, and linden trees.
- Medicinal Uses: Some Malvaceae species possess medicinal properties. For instance, marshmallow root is utilised for its soothing effect on sore throats.The
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