THE MALLOW FAMILY. 193 



XXIX. THE MALLOW FAMILY. MALVACEAE. 



MATERIAL REQUIRED. 



Common mallow, Malva rotundifolia, L., in flower and fruit. 



Other representatives of the family, such as Hollyhock, Althcea rosea, 

 Cav. ; Shrubby althaea, Hibiscus Syriacus, L. ; Musk mallow, 

 Malva moschata, L. ; Velvet-leaf, Abutilon Avicennce, Gaertn. 



COMMON MALLOW. Malva rotundifolia, L. 

 Distribution. 



In what situation is this plant generally found ? Have 

 you any evidence as to whether it is an indigenous or 

 introduced species ? 



General Characters. 



I. Study first the habits of the plant and note its char- 

 acteristic features. 



1. The strong taproot. 



2. Position and direction of the numerous branches. 



3. Presence or absence of stipules. 



4. Form and venation of leaves. 



5. Position and character of inflorescence. 



6. The remarkably strong bast fibers. 



7'. Mucilaginous contents, particularly of the fruits. 



II. Enumerate any advantages that this plant possesses 

 in competition with others. Is it easily eradicated? Why? 

 Is it attractive to grazing animals ? 



