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
Zephyranthes rosea into three lobes. The seeds are shiny black and flattened. "Zephyranthes rosea" belongs to the genus "Zephyranthes" (rain lilies) of the subtribe Zephyranthinea of the tribe Hippeastreae. It is classified under the subfamily Amaryllidoideae of the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). In broader classifications, they are sometimes included within the lily family (Liliaceae). "Zephyranthes rosea" (like other rain lilies) are so named because they produce short-lived flowers only after seasonal heavy rains or storms. In "Z. rosea", this usually occurs during the late summer. The generic name "Zephyranthes" literally means "flowers of the west wind", from Greek ζέφυρος ("zéphuros", an Anemoi) and