Bladder Mallow; Curly Butilon

Herissantia crispa

Family: Malvaceae

Plant Description: Perennial herbs, the stems mosty creeping. Leaves alternate, hairy; blades h eart shaped, up to 2 inches long, margins toothed. Flowers radial; pale yellow to white, up to 12 inch long; stamen filaments grown together around the style, the stamens seeming to emerge from the style. Fruit are capsules separating into inflated papery compartments with 2 deeds, sometimes more.

Plant Trivia:

Field Identification: The creeping habit, pale yellow to white flowers, and inflated papery compartments of the fruit are good indicators.

Occurrence: Coastal areas from Nueces County south to Rio Grande Valley.

Bloom Period: Spring – Fall

Plant Use: Good ornamental plant.