Venice Mallow, Hibiscus trionum
Family: Malvaceae; Mallow Family
Vegetative Characteristics:
Seedling: cotyledons round or cordate, petiole pubescent; leaves alternate, dull green, irregularly shaped, pubescent; first leaf with powdery bloom, second leaf toothed, subsequent leaves deeply lobed
Stems: erect, 30.0-50.0 cm tall, spreading or branching from base, pubescent
Leaves: alternate, 2.0-6.0 cm long, palmately lobed, divided into 3-7 lobes, margins coarsely toothed, petiole long
Reproductive Characteristics:
Inflorescences: solitary in leaf axils; corolla 2.5-5.0 cm diameter; petals 5, yellow or whitish, purple spot at base, often with purplish margins, remaining open 1-2 hours
Fruits: capsule 1.0-1.5 cm long, round, pubescent, enclosed by membranous sepals
Seeds: reniform, 2.0-2.5 mm long, dark brown to black, rough
Special Identifying Characteristics:
⇒ erect or spreading, branched annual; leaves divided into 3-7 lobes, margins coarsely toothed; flowers yellow or whiteish with purple base, petals often with purple margins
