Virginia saltmarsh-mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos, Fl. Ross. 1: 437 (1842))

Family: Malvaceae

Author: (L.) Ledeb.

Bibliography: Fl. Ross. 1: 437 (1842)

Year: 1842

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Kosteletzkya

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. U.S.A. to Texas, Bermuda, Cuba, S. Europe to N. Iran

Description

The Virginia saltmarsh-mallow, scientifically known as Kosteletzkya pentacarpos, is a fascinating perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. This species is notable for its adaptability and striking floral displays, making it an interesting subject for both botanists and horticulture enthusiasts.

First described in Flora Rossica in 1842, the Virginia saltmarsh-mallow has garnered attention for its distinctive features and wide geographical distribution. The plant thrives in a range of environments, predominantly in the eastern United States stretching down to Texas. Its presence extends beyond North America, reaching the lush terrains of Bermuda and Cuba, while also being a familiar sight in southern Europe and as far as northern Iran.

Kosteletzkya pentacarpos usually inhabits saline or brackish marshes, a habitat that underscores its common name. The plant exhibits a remarkable ability to withstand salty conditions, which is a characteristic shared with other members of the Malvaceae family. Its resilience in such environments not only illustrates its ecological significance but also hints at its potential use in habitat restoration and conservation projects.

The Virginia saltmarsh-mallow is easily identifiable by its delicate, pink to lavender flowers. Each blossom is composed of five petals, creating an aesthetically pleasing radial symmetry. These flowers typically bloom in late summer to early fall, providing a splash of color when many other plants have already finished their flowering cycles for the season. The foliage is equally noteworthy, with leaves that are alternately arranged and have a slightly velvety texture due to fine, soft hairs.

The plant’s distribution and adaptability make it an intriguing subject for ecological and evolutionary studies. Its ability to colonize a variety of regions with differing climates and soil salinities offers insights into plant resilience and adaptation. Moreover, its historical uses in traditional medicine and potential applications in modern science merit further exploration.

In summary, the Virginia saltmarsh-mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos) is a resilient and beautiful species that not only contributes to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits but also provides valuable opportunities for scientific study. Its wide distribution from the eastern United States to Iran highlights its adaptability and ecological importance, making it a plant worth observing and preserving.

Common Names

Ita: ibisco litorale
Fra: kosteletzkya à 5 fruits, hibiscus à cinq carpelles
Eng: virginia saltmarsh mallow, virginia saltmarsh-mallow, fen-rose, saltmarsh mallow, seashore mallow, seashore-mallow, seaside mallow
En: Virginia saltmarsh-mallow, Seashore-mallow, Virginia Fen-Rose, VIRGINIA SALTMARSH MALLOW, Virginia saltmarsh willow, Seashore mallow, Virginia Kosteletzkya, Fen-rose, Saltmarsh mallow, Seaside mallow
Fr: Kosteletzkya à 5 fruits, Hibiscus à Cinq Carpelles, Hibiscus à cinq fruits, Kosteletzkya à cinq fruits
It: Ibisco litorale
Ru: Костелецкия пятиплодная

Synonyms

• Kosteletzkya althaeifolia ((Chapm.) A.Gray ex S.Watson)
• Pentagonocarpus zannichellii (Parl.)
• Kosteletzkya smilacifolia ((Chapm.) Chapm.)
• Kosteletzkya virginica f. alba (C.F.Reed)
• Hibiscus boscai (Sennen ex Pau)
• Pentagonocarpus virginicus ((L.) Parl.)
• Pavonia virginica ((L.) Spreng.)
• Pavonia veneta (Spreng.)
• Hibiscus althaeifolius (Shuttlew. ex A.Gray)
• Kosteletzkya pentacarpos var. albiflora ((Sacc. ex Fiori) P.P.Ferrer & O.J.Blanch.)
• Hibiscus smilacifolius (Shuttlew. ex A.Gray)
• Kosteletzkya virginica var. typica (Fernald)
• Kosteletzkya virginica var. smilacifolia (Chapm.)
• Kosteletzkya virginica var. aquilonia (Fernald)
• Kosteletzkya virginica var. althaeifolia (Chapm.)
• Hibiscus virginicus (L.)
• Pentagonocarpus pentacarpus ((L.) Kuntze)
• Kosteletzkya boscae (Sennen)
• Kosteletzkya pentacarpos var. smilacifolia ((Chapm.) S.N.Alexander)
• Pavonia pentacarpos ((L.) Poir.)
• Hibiscus clypeatus (Walter)
• Hibiscus pentacarpos (L.)
• Hibiscus pentacarpos var. albiflorus (Sacc. ex Fiori)
• Pentagonocarpus althaeifolius ((Chapm.) Kuntze)
• Hibiscus pentaspermus (Nutt.)
• Kosteletzkya virginica ((L.) C.Presl ex A.Gray.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bermuda (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Texas (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Seth Morris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Tommy Duncan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2022 by casey manera (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2022 by pam alderman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Dylan Stills (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Seth Morris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Dylan Stills (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 24, 2015 by EOL − Tim Schreckengost (cc-by)

Taken Aug 31, 2015 by EOL − Javi Gonzalez (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 31, 2015 by EOL − National Aquarium (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4939647)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:561095-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Kosteletzkya pentacarpos (L.) Ledeb.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 6

Soil salinity: 2