Alcea rosea Alcea rosea Alcea rosea, the common hollyhock, is an ornamental plant in the family Malvaceae. It was imported into Europe from southwestern China during, or possibly before, the 15th century. William Turner, a herbalist of the time, gave it the name "holyoke" from which the English name derives. "Alcea rosea" is variously described as a biennial (having a two-year life cycle), as an annual, or as a short-lived perennial. It frequently self-sows, which may create a perception that the plants are perennial. The plant may flower during its first year when sown early. It will grow in a wide range
Velleia rosea Velleia rosea Velleia rosea (pink velleia) is a member of the Goodeniaceae family that is native to Western Australia and flowers from April to October. "V. rosea" is an annual herb, with flat leaves long and wide, having toothed or lobed margins. Its bracteoles are hairy, with simple hairs. The flowers have pedicels which are long and smooth. The calyx is lobed with sparse glandular hairs and of length . The corolla is pink, long, with no auricles or spurs. It is sparsely hairy on the outside and smooth on the inside. The anthers are free and the ovary is