Ed. Dennis E. Breedlove. Part 03: Fryxell, Paul A.: Malvaceae. 1990. 1 map. 29 figs. (line-drawings). 90 p. gr8vo. Paper bd.

The Malvaceae includes over 100 genera and perhaps 2000 species. Itsgreatest diversity is in the tropics and subtropics; a few genera arecharacteristic of the temperate zones. On a world-wide basis, the familyincludes four large genera (Sida, Abutilon, Hibiscus and Pavonia), allfour of which are represented in Chiapas. The family is richly developedin South America and has other major centers of diversity in Mexico,Africa, and Australia. In Mexico 54 genera are known, of which 37 arereported from Chiapas and four (Abelmoschus, Malva, Alcea and Lavatera)are introduced. Certain genera, especially Hampea, Dendrosida, andRobinsonella, have their principal diversity in Chiapas and adjacentregions. Interestingly, all three of these genera are characteristicallyarborescent, a growth form that is exceptional in the family.