Gray Globemallow (Sphaeralcea incana)
Description
Sphaeralcea incana, with the common names gray globemallow and soft globemallow, is a desert plant in the mallow family (Malvaceae).Sphaeralcea incana is a perennial subshrub with a large taproot. It has several to many erect stems, emerging from a stout woody crown, growing 3-6 feet (0.91-1.83 m) in height. The gray leaves are very dense with short scurfy hairs. The flowers are a brilliant orange, appearing from June through October. There are also pink, and white, flowering forms. In some locales the plants can form 'carpets of flowers' after a heavy winter rainy season. Medicinal plant: Sphaeralcea incana has been used as a medicinal plant, traditionally by Native Americans, and by others. The Hopi peoples traditionally used the plant to treat diarrhea. The leaves and flowers of the plant can be made into an herbal tea used for respiratory irritations and flu. The roots and leaves are demulcent and emollient. A poultice of fresh crushed leaves has been used for skin injuries or inflammations
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum: Magnoliophyta
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Class: Magnoliopsida
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Order: Malvales
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Family: Malvaceae
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Genus: Sphaeralcea
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