G. pubéscens.
2. Gordònia pubéscens, L'Her. Leaves thin, deciduous, obovate-oblong, sharply serrate, white beneath. Flowers nearly sessile. A small tree or shrub of the south (30 ft. high in Georgia), hardy, and rarely cultivated as far north as Philadelphia, or still farther north if slightly sheltered.
Order VI. MALVÀCEÆ. (Mallow Family.)
A large family, mainly of herbs, found in tropical and temperate regions. One cultivated species, almost a tree, is included in this work.
Genus 9. HIBÍSCUS.
Herbs or shrubs; one sometimes tree-like, with simple, deciduous, alternate, stipulate, usually lobed leaves. Flowers large, showy, 5-parted (Hollyhock-shaped), in late summer. Fruit a 5-celled, many-seeded pod, ripe in autumn.
H. Syrìacus.
Hibíscus Syrìacus, L. (Tree Hibiscus.) The only woody and sometimes tree-like species; has ovate, wedge-shaped, 3-lobed, toothed leaves, and large (3 in.) white, purple, red, or variegated flowers. Usually a shrub, 6 to 15 ft. high, often cultivated throughout; introduced from Syria.
Order VII. STERCULIÀCEÆ.