Malvaviscus arboreus var. mexicanus Schlechtendal; M. grandiflorus Kunth

Plants not clone-forming, 1–3[–10] m, subglabrous to densely hairy. Stems stellate-hairy to glabrate (glabrous). Leaf blades usually unlobed, sometimes shallowly 3–5-lobed, elliptic to ovate, 4–20[–25] × 3–12 cm, often longer than wide, base rounded (to subcordate), margins serrate to subentire, apex acute. Petals 1.5–4(–5) cm. 2n = ca. 28, 56.

Flowering summer–fall. Palm forests and thorn scrub, sometimes cultivated; 0–100 m; introduced; Tex.; Mexico; West Indies; Central America, n South America (Colombia).

Variety arboreus is infrequently cultivated in the Rio Grande Valley and eastward to Florida. It does not appear to be native within the flora area, and the Texas record was likely an escape. Individuals may escape and persist.