Botanical studies of leaves of Malvaviscus arboreus Cav. family: Malvaceae, cultivated in Egypt

Abstract

Malvaviscus arboreus cav. is a perennial plant belongs to family Malvaceae, having a number of culinary and medicinal properties. It is an erect, deciduous herb or shrub, commonly known as Turk cap or sleeping hibiscus as its flowers never fully open. The plant is indigenous to central and south America but was also introduced to other tropical and subtropical areas in Asia, Africa, Australia, and pacific lands. The present study deals with macro and micro morphological investigation of M. arboreus leaves, which will be greatly helpful in identification and authentication of this plant species.