List of Malvales of Montana facts for kids
Did you know that Montana is home to at least 10 different types of plants from the Mallow order, called Malvales? Some of these plants are native, meaning they have always grown here. Others are "introduced species," which means they were brought to Montana from somewhere else. A few of these plants are even considered "Species of Concern," which means they need special attention to make sure they stay healthy and don't disappear.
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Discovering Mallow Plants in Montana
Mallow plants are part of a large group of flowering plants. They belong to the Malvaceae family, which is a big family of plants found all over the world. These plants often have pretty flowers with five petals and interesting seed pods.
What are Mallow Plants?
The Mallow order, Malvales, includes many well-known plants. Some examples are cotton, cocoa, and even the plant that gives us okra! In Montana, you'll find smaller, wilder versions of these plants. They are important parts of the state's natural environment.
Mallow Plants You Can Find in Montana
In Montana, you can spot several types of Mallow plants. They come in different shapes and sizes, from tall hollyhocks to smaller, creeping plants. Here are some of the Mallow plants that grow in Montana:
- Abutilon theophrasti, also known as velvet-leaf
- Alcea rosea, or hollyhock, often seen in gardens
- Hibiscus trionum, called flower-of-an-hour because its flowers open for a short time
- Iliamna rivularis, known as streambank globemallow
- Malva moschata, musk cheeseweed
- Malva neglecta, dwarf cheeseweed
- Malva parviflora, small whorled cheeseweed
- Sidalcea oregana, Oregon checker-mallow
- Sphaeralcea coccinea, scarlet globemallow, known for its bright red flowers
- Sphaeralcea munroana, white-stemmed globemallow
Native vs. New Mallow Species
When we talk about "introduced species," we mean plants that were not originally from Montana. They might have been brought here by people, sometimes on purpose, like garden plants, or by accident. These new plants can sometimes grow very well and spread, which can affect the native plants that have always lived in the area.
Protecting Special Mallow Plants
Some Mallow plants in Montana are listed as "Species of Concern." This means that scientists and conservationists are watching them closely. These plants might be rare, or their habitats could be shrinking. By identifying them as "Species of Concern," people can work to protect them and make sure they continue to thrive in Montana's wild spaces.
