In article , Sacha
writes
On 30/5/04 11:31 pm, in article , "Bob Hobden"
wrote:


"Sacha" wrote in message

Anyone know what this is?
--

Well the normal one growing all around the Med is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis but
nothing I can find about a specific Mediterranean one.
However there is a Mediterranean Mallow, Malva cretica.

That's my bet - that it's a mallow.

Mallow and hibiscus are closely related - both in the malvaceae. The 5
petals are in perfect spiral symmetry, ie each petal is beneath one
neighbour and above the other. I don't know any other families of
5-petalled flowers with overlapping petals that show this - most have
one petal which is above both of its neighbours. It's a useful tip for
getting the identification as far as family level.

--
Kay Easton

Edward's earthworm page:
http://www.scarboro.demon.co.uk/edward/index.htm